Pharmacotherapy of personality disorders in German speaking countries: state and changes in the last decade.
BACKGROUND: In many cases, patients with personality disorders currently receive psychopharmacological treatment as well as psychotherapy. Empirically oriented studies of outcome and efficacy are still rare, and clinical practice is still dominated by a symptomatic and rather pragmatic approach. AIM: This study provides empirical insight into the reality of psychopharmacological practice in psychiatric institutions in German speaking countries. METHOD: The use of psychotropic drugs in patients with personality disorders is demonstrated using the data base of the AMSP drug safety program. Recent changes are shown by comparing results from 1996 and 2003. RESULTS: Our data show a symptom-driven, polypragmatic, and often off-label use of psychotropic drugs in personality disorders.