Personality Pathology and Schizophrenia

The interaction of personality pathology and schizophrenia has conceptually been a topic of considerable interest in psychiatry. Recent advances in taxonomy and assessment of relevance to the clinician and researcher is presented. Cluster A and avoidant personality disorders are regarded as risk factors or antecedents for the development of schizophrenia. Some features of borderline personality disorder may resemble schizophrenia. With both a hierarchical structure and symptom-focused classification systems, personality pathology and personality disorder comorbidities can be overlooked. They can remain untreated because they are seen as part of the psychotic syndrome or superseded. A case formulation of a patient with schizophrenia is likely enriched by considering both these facets and may highlight comorbid personality disorder that warrants independent treatment.