The prevalence of personality disorders in the community: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
Author
Winsper, CatherineBilgin, Ayten
Thompson, Andrew
Marwaha, Steven
Chanen, Andrew M
Singh, Swaran P
Wang, Ariel
Furtado, Vivek
Affiliation
University of Warwick; Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust; Istanbul Medeniyet University; University of Melbourne; Birmingham University; Barberry, National Centre for Mental Health; The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health;Publication date
2020-02Subject
Mental health
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Personality disorders are now internationally recognised as a mental health priority. Nevertheless, there are no systematic reviews examining the global prevalence of personality disorders. Aims: To calculate the worldwide prevalence of personality disorders and examine whether rates vary between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method: We systematically searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed from January 1980 to May 2018 to identify articles reporting personality disorder prevalence rates in community populations (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065094). Results: A total of 46 studies (from 21 different countries spanning 6 continents) satisfied inclusion criteria. The worldwide pooled prevalence of any personality disorder was 7.8% (95% CI 6.1-9.5). Rates were greater in high-income countries (9.6%, 95% CI 7.9-11.3%) compared with LMICs (4.3%, 95% CI 2.6-6.1%). In univariate meta-regressions, significant heterogeneity was partly attributable to study design (two-stage v. one-stage assessment), county income (high-income countries v. LMICs) and interview administration (clinician v. trained graduate). In multiple meta-regression analysis, study design remained a significant predictor of heterogeneity. Global rates of cluster A, B and C personality disorders were 3.8% (95% CI 3.2, 4.4%), 2.8% (1.6, 3.7%) and 5.0% (4.2, 5.9%). Conclusions: Personality disorders are prevalent globally. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence rates should be interpreted with caution due to high levels of heterogeneity. More large-scale studies with standardised methodologies are now needed to increase our understanding of population needs and regional variations.Citation
Winsper C, Bilgin A, Thompson A, Marwaha S, Chanen AM, Singh SP, Wang A, Furtado V. The prevalence of personality disorders in the community: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry. 2020 Feb;216(2):69-78. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2019.166. PMID: 31298170.Type
ArticleAdditional Links
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31298170/Journal
British Journal of Psychiatryae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1192/bjp.2019.166