Personality Disorders and Traits as Predictors of Incident Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From the 23-Year Follow-Up of The Baltimore ECA Study

BackgroundOver the past several decades, the relationship between personality traits and heart disease has interested clinicians and researchers alike.ObjectiveThe authors investigated personality disorders (PDs) and PD dimensional traits as prospective risk factors for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) follow-up study.MethodIn 1981, 244 community residents were examined for DSM–III PDs, and PD dimensional traits and were followed for incident CVD by 2004.ResultsLogistic-regression models with or without adjustment for potential confounders revealed that Cluster B PD and PD dimensional traits at baseline were consistently associated with increased risk of incident CVD by 2004. Post-hoc analysis also revealed that Cluster B PD and traits also predict CVD mortality.ConclusionCluster B PDs and dimensional traits may be independent risk factors for incident CVD in the community.