Reviews recent studies on the epidemiology of personality disorders in the general population, among users of primary health care facilities and among psychiatric patients, drawing attention to the comorbidity of these disorders. The main issues discussed relate to classification and assessment.

Despite the high prevalence of personality disorders and their significant effect on human functioning, it is only recently that they have been investigated to any extent. This book reviews recent studies on the epidemiology of personality disorders in the general population, among users of primary health care facilities and among psychiatric patients, drawing attention to the comorbidity of these disorders. The main issues discussed relate to classification and assessment, using criteria from the ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

Diagnostic issues
Epidemiology of personality disorders
Conclusions and recommendations for further study
Annexes.