Brief report--associations of personality disorder with early separation anxiety in patients with adult separation anxiety disorder

J Pers Disord. 2011 Feb;25(1):128-33. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2011.25.1.128.

Abstract

A recent study has suggested a link between early separation anxiety and personality disorder. It is possible that this relationship is mediated or confounded by the presence of adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD). In a clinic study of 397 anxiety patients, we found that ASAD patients with heightened early separation anxiety had higher rates of any Cluster C personality disorder compared to ASAD patients without elevated early separation anxiety, and higher rates of any Cluster B or C personality disorder compared to anxiety patients with low early separation anxiety and no ASAD. Although cross-sectional in design, the study supports a direct link between early separation anxiety and some adult personality disorders, irrespective of the type of adult anxiety disorder present, including ASAD.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anxiety Disorders / complications*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Anxiety, Separation / complications*
  • Anxiety, Separation / psychology
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Disorders / complications*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Surveys and Questionnaires