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(Click here for more coverage of Borderline Personality Disorder.)

In a previous posting BPD prevalence may be 6%, 3 times higher than previously thought, we pointed out a study that estimates 5.9% of the US population suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. That study was based upon the Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey conducted in 2004 to 2005 using interviews of approximately 35,000 Americans. The study results were published in 2008.

Now a later study published in 2008 based upon the same data set has uncovered information about the prevalence and comorbidity of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The authors state that NPD is the least researched of the 10 personality disorders documented in DSM-IV-TR, so their findings are particularly useful.

The study found that:

• Lifetime prevalence of NPD is about 6%.

• Prevalence of BPD in men is about 8% versus 5% for women.

• NPD is more common among younger adults than older adults.

• NPD occurs more often among those who are separated, divorced, widowed, and never married than those who are married.

• NPD is more common among black men and women and Hispanic women and less common among Hispanic men and whites, Asians, and Native American of both genders.

• NPD is commonly present in people who also suffer from BPD. The chance of having NPD in people who have BPD is 7 times higher than those who do not.

• NPD is commonly present in people who also suffer from Schizotypal Personality Disorder. The chance of having of NPD in people who have Schizotypal Personality Disorder is 6 times higher than for those who do not.

• NPD is commonly comorbid with substance use disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar I disorder, anxiety disorders, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• People with NPD are less likely to have dysthymic disorder, a form of long-term depression, than those without NPD.

Further reading:

Researchers Shine Spotlight on Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Prevalence, Correlates, Disability, and Comorbidity of DSM-IV Borderline Personality Disorder: Results From the Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (abstract)

Introduction to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Introduction to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (PDF)