| Abstract: | The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ) was completed by significant others for 26 obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Personality traits and diagnoses were scored. Profiles indicated that only one patient met criteria for compulsive personality, whereas one quarter to one third of the sample met criteria for avoidant, histrionic, schizotypal, and dependent personality disorders. High mean percentages on traits scores were found for avoidant and dependent traits, as well as for passive-aggressive and compulsive ones. Patients with more personality traits provoked more negative familial reactions and were less socially adjusted, but they did not have more OCD symptoms at pretest. Personality diagnoses did not predict behavioral treatment outcome. High dependent personality trait scores were related to better post-test gains, whereas passive-aggressive ones were associated with poorer long-term benefits. Results are discussed in light of recent reports of personality disorder in OCD and in other anxiety disorder patients. Methodological concerns are delineated. |
