ABSTRACT
The depth of pathology is such that any concept of “cure” requires marked restructuring of very basic developmental characteristics. This approach has been studied for several years for some of the personality disorders but such attempts involve highly specialized, enormously energy-consuming therapies. One may treat symptoms which arise because of vulnerability related to the personality disorder, but which are indistinguishable from the Axis I disorders addressed elsewhere in the text. Individuals with paranoid personality rarely come to treatment unless they develop an Axis I disorder. Several medications have been studied to address aggressive behavior in Antisocial Personality Disorder and other diagnoses. Outcome for the personality disorder itself is enhanced when the patient is able to remain in lengthy, restorative therapy; however, the overall prognosis must be guarded. Patients with antisocial and aggressive personality styles are quite difficult to treat on ordinary psychiatric units.
