Personality Disorders and Clinical Disorders: The Challenge of Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Eating Disorders (EDs), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)

Abstract

Purpose of the review: The purpose of this review is to report on prevalence of co-occurrence, possible etiologic mechanisms, and course and treatment implications of each of these challenging clinical disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eating Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) comorbid with Personality Disorders.

Recent findings: These comorbidities often increase the symptom severity, worsen the course and outcome, and increase the risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior. For EDs and PTSD, existing therapies may prove somewhat helpful but novel approaches are needed and under investigation in the context of comorbid PDs and ASD, EDs and PTSD to address common underlying diatheses. Treatments for these comorbid disorders need to incorporate interventions addressing suicide risk, emotion dysregulation, be trauma-informed and attend to patient engagement. Future research should prioritize studying the course and outcome of ASD comorbid with PDs, novel therapies for EDs comorbid with PDs; refining the concept of Complex PTSD and commencing study of SSD comorbid with PDs.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Comorbidity; Eating disorders; PTSD; Personality disorders; Somatic symptom disorder.