Conduct disorder and antisocial personality in adult primary care patients.

BACKGROUND

Conduct disorder has been linked to substance use disorders in clinical populations. This study examined the relationships of conduct disorder and antisocial personality (ASP) disorder to substance use, substance abuse problems, depression, and demographic factors in primary care settings.

METHODS

As part of a larger clinical trial, a survey of 1898 patients in the offices of 64 primary care physicians was conducted using a self-administered health habits questionnaire. Childhood conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder were assessed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised.

RESULTS

Eight percent of men and 3.1% of women met criteria for a diagnosis of ASP disorder. The frequency of a history of childhood conduct disorders was higher, with 13.4% for men and 4% for women. Antisocial personality disorder was predicted by male sex, being unmarried (single, separated, divorced), lifetime history of depression, binge drinking, self-reported history of drug problems, current smoking, and younger age. The predictors of a history of child conduct disorder were similar to those of ASP.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary care physicians treat many patients who have personality disorders and other conditions such as alcohol problems and depression. These patients need to be identified because of the high potential for comorbidity and the barriers to treatment inherent in these disorders.