Recent trends in the pharmacotherapy of personality disorders

J Pers Disord. 2004 Feb;18(1):90-101. doi: 10.1521/pedi.18.1.90.32768.

Abstract

This article reviews pharmacologic trials conducted between 2000 and 2003 directed at the treatment of borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. Atypical antipsychotics, antiepileptics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, omega fatty acids, and opioid antagonists have all been studied in the treatment of borderline personality disorder with positive results. Atypical antipsychotics have been studied in both schizotypal personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, again with encouraging outcome reports. Implications of personality changes in response to pharmacologic treatment are discussed. Based on the prevalence of these disorders and the burden they cause to afflicted individuals and society, further trials are unequivocally indicated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / drug therapy
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / prevention & control
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / prevention & control
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / drug therapy
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / prevention & control
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Social Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors