Comorbid personality disorders in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients: a marker of psychopathological severity

Abstract

Introduction. This study was designed to evaluate the presence of personality disorders (PDs) in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients and to determine their influence on the severity of the associated psychopathology.

Methods. 132 CFS patients were assessed using SCID-I, Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) with its Clinical Significance Scale, and Fatigue Impact Scale. The Beck Depression Inventory, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were also administered.

Results. 48.5% patients presented PDs, being the most frequent the Obsessive-Compulsive and Avoidant ones. Patients with PDs had more depressive symptoms. Irritability, resentment, suspicion and guilt were the symptoms related with PDQ-4+ total score.

Conclusions. According to these results, PDs may be frequent in CFS patients. This comorbidity is associated with a complex clinical profile, secondary to more severe psychiatric symptoms.