Abstract

GINER ZARAGOZA, Francesc et al. The diagnosis and prevalence of personality disorders in outpatient services: a descriptive study. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2015, vol.35, n.128, pp.789-799. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-57352015000400007.

Introduction: Personality disorders (PD) are difficult to diagnose. Scientific literature shows a high prevalence in outpatient mental health services, but in daily practice the diagnosis of a PD is infrequent. Objectives: This study aims to calculate the prevalence of PD in outpatient mental health services in real clinic situation among patients who come for the first time. Method: Salamanca Questionnaire (SQ) was used as a screening method with the minimum score cut (2/3) and the maximum score cut (5/6). The results were compared with the clinical diagnose proposed by the psychiatrist or psychologyst, who did not know the result of SQ. Results: Only 7% of patients received PD diagnose although 100% of patients had pathological results with SQ using the lowest score proposed and 53% using the highest score proposed: 11,8% Clúster A, 19,8%, Clúster B and 21,4% Cluster C. Conclusions: The high prevalence of PD in outpatient mental health services and the low diagnosis rate are elements that worsen the prognosis of these patients.

Keywords : Personality disorders; diagnosis; prevalence; mass screening.

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