Self and informant reported personality disorder traits in treatment-seeking military veterans.

In spite of the impact that personality disorders (PD) can have on relationships and treatment of medical and psychiatric disorders, little is known about the prevalence rates and typology of personality pathology among military veterans. Further, research has not been conducted that examines prevalence rates among veterans without an Axis I disorder or that compares information gathered from veterans with informant data. Therefore, this dissertation examined the relationship between self- and informants' reports of PD and self- and informant reports of interpersonal problems and marital adjustment among veterans seeking treatment for either medical or psychological problems. Results indicated substantial veteran and informant reported personality pathology, particularly paranoid and obsessive-compulsive PDs. Veterans with an Axis I disorder had significantly more self- and informant reported PD traits and interpersonal problems and somewhat lower marital adjustment. We found moderate agreement on veteran and informant reported PD traits but only very modest agreement on interpersonal problems. Agreement was higher when the informant was a spouse or significant other than another type of relationship. Both veteran and informant report of PD traits predicted unique aspects of interpersonal problems, but there was little evidence of a relationship between PD traits and marital adjustment. Only veteran report of PD traits significantly predicted clinician rated GAF scores. These results add significantly to our understanding of the type and prevalence of specific PD traits and their relationship with variables known to affect treatment of physical and psychological problems.