DSM-III-R axis II comorbidity in dysthymia and major depression
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Dysthymia is generally believed to be associated with a high rate of DSM-III-R axis II comorbidity. However, it is unclear whether this rate is higher than that for other axis I disorders, how many dysthymic patients have personality disorders, and what the most common co-occurring axis II conditions are. METHOD: Ninety-seven outpatients with early-on-set dysthymia and 45 with episodic major depression were administered structured diagnostic interviews for axis I and II disorders. In addition, knowledgeable informants were independently interviewed about axis II conditions in the patients. RESULTS: A significantly greater proportion of dysthymic patients (60%) than patients with episodic major depression (18%) met criteria for a personality disorder. The most common axis II conditions among dysthymic patients were borderline, histrionic, and avoidant personality disorder. Informants' reports yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that early-onset dysthymia is associated with significantly greater axis II comorbidity than episodic major depression. Further work is necessary to elucidate the processes underlying this association.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
