Anxiety and depression in drug-dependent patients with cluster C personality disorders

© 2018 Roncero, de Miguel, Fumero, Abad, Martín, Bethencourt, Grau-López, Rodríguez-Cintas and Daigre. Objective: Comorbidity between personality disorders (PD) and substance-use disorders (SUD) is one of the most common findings in the psychiatric field. The patients with Cluster C disorders present maladjustment traits often characterized by high levels of anxiety. The main aim of this study was to find evidences about higher anxiety and depression prevalence on Cluster C than others Clusters, analyzing similarities and differences within, with other Cluster A and B PD patients and patients without PD. Method: A total of 822 substance dependent patients (ages 18-78; Mean = 38.35, SD = 10.14) completed the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: Results supported poly-consumption in Cluster C patients, being greater alcohol consumption as well as abuse of both stimulants and depressants. Anxiety and depression did not show just one pattern for all patients with SUD-Cluster C PD. There was a relation between anxiety and depression for all the groups except for the Dependent-PD. Conclusion: Interventions should focus on aspects like depression and anxiety more than on the substance consumed.