REVMEDUAS
REVMEDUAS; Vol. 16 No. 2 Abril-Junio 2026
ISSN 3122-4342
Patología dual en trastornos de la personalidad y consumo de sustancias: revisión narrativa
Dual pathology in personality disorders and substance use: a narrative review
Juan Daniel Medina-Torres1*
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital general de zona número 20, Servicio de psiquiatría, Heroi-ca Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, México
*Autor de correspondencia: Dr. Juan Daniel Medina Torres.
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General de Zona No. 20, Servicio de Psiquiatría,
Avenida Fidel Velázquez 4211 Heroica Puebla De Zaragoza Col. Infonavit La Margarita, Puebla, C.P. 72560, Puebla, México.
Correo electrónico: mtjuandaniel96@gmail.com Teléfono: +52 44 3536 0843
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.28960/revmeduas.3122-4342.v16.n2.009
Texto Completo PDF
Recibido 17 de octubre 2025, aceptado 25 de febrero 2026
RESUMEN
La comorbilidad entre los trastornos de la personalidad (TP) y los trastornos por consumo de sustancias (TCS) representa un desafío clínico mayor debido a su alta prevalencia, complejidad diagnóstica y peor pronóstico. Las investigaciones internacionales muestran que entre 34% y 73% de los pacientes con TCS presentan al menos un TP, especialmente trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP) y trastorno de la personalidad antisocial (TPA). Los principales modelos explicativos incluyen la automedicación, la impulsividad, la desregulación emocional, el trauma infantil y factores sociales. Esta asociación incrementa las recaídas, el riesgo suicida, la violencia y los costos sanitarios. Las intervenciones con mayor evidencia son la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (TDC o por su siglas en inglés DBT ) y el Tratamiento Basado en la Mentalización (TBM o por sus siglas en inglés MBT), dentro de programas integrados que abordan de manera simultánea ambas condiciones. Esta revisión sintetiza la evidencia disponible y propone recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo integral de pacientes con TP–TCS. Palabras clave: Trastornos de la Personalidad, Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias, Comorbilidad, Mentalización.
Palabras claves: Trastornos de la Personalidad, Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias, Comorbilidad, Mentalización.
ABSTRACT
The comorbidity between personality disorders (PD) and substance use disorders (SUD) poses a major clinical challenge due to its high prevalence, diagnostic complexity, and poorer outcomes. International studies show that 34–73% of individuals with SUD meet criteria for at least one PD, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Explanatory models include self-medication, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, childhood trauma, and social determinants. This comorbidity increases relapse rates, suicide risk, violence, and healthcare costs. The most evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions are Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), implemented within integrated programs that address both conditions simultaneously. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence and provides clinical recommendations for the comprehensive management of PD–SUD comorbidity. Keywords: Personality Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Comorbidity; Mentalization.
Keywords: Personality Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Comorbidity; Mentalization.
Referencias
- Grant BF, Stinson FS, Dawson DA, Chou SP, Ruan WJ, Pickering RP. Co-occurrence of 12-month alcohol and drug use disorders and personality disorders in the US: NESARC. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004;61(4):361-368. DOI:10.1001/archpsyc.61.4.361
- Hasin DS, O’Brien CP, Auriacombe M, Borges G, Bucholz K, Budney A, et al. DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders: recommendations and rationale. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170(8):834-851. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.12060782
- World Health Organization. ICD-11: International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. Geneva: WHO; 2022. DOI:10.1002/wps.20322
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5. Arlington, VA: APA; 2013.
- Medina-Mora ME, Borges G, Fleiz C, Benjet C, Rojas E, Zambrano J, Villatoro J, Aguilar-Gaxiola S. et al. Prevalence and treatment in Mexican adults. Salud Ment. 2006;29(2):123-131.
- Antisocial personality disorder and associated factors among incarcerated populations. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22:559. DOI:10.1186/s12888-022-03710-y
- Low A, Stiltner B, Nunez YZ, Adhikari K, Deak JD, Pietrzak RH,et al. Association patterns of antisocial personality disorder across SUD. Transl Psychiatry. 2024;14:346. DOI:10.1038/s41398-024-03054-z
- Linehan MM, Schmidt H 3rd, Dimeff LA, Craft JC, Kanter J, Comtois KA.. DBT for BPD and drug dependence. Am J Psychiatry. 1999;156(11):1733-1740. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.156.11.1733
- Dimeff LA, Linehan MM. Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2008;4(2):39-47. DOI:10.1151/ascp084239
- Bateman A, Fonagy P. RCT of MBT vs structured clinical management for BPD. Am J Psychiatry. 2009;166(12):1355-1364. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09040539
- Philips B, Wennberg P, Konradsson P, Franck J. MBT feasibility study in BPD+SUD. Psychother Psychosom. 2018;87(6):381-383. DOI:10.1159/000492499
- Lee NK, Cameron J, Jenner L. Review of interventions for comorbid BPD+SUD. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2015;34(6):663-672. DOI:10.1111/dar.12273
- Turner S, Mota N, Bolton J, Sareen J. cie 11-medication review. Addiction. 2018;113(7):1239-1248. DOI:10.1111/add.14144
- Parmar A, Kaloiya GS. Personality disorders and substance abuse. Indian J Psychol Med. 2018;40(6):518-525. DOI:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_164_18
- Moran P, Coffey C, Mann A, Carlin JB, Patton GC.. Personality disorders in youth and SUD. Addiction. 2006;101(12):1730-1740. DOI:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01568.x
- onway KP, Kane RJ, Ball SA, Poling JC, Rounsaville BJ. Personality, substance abuse and comorbidity. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2003;25(1):1-8. DOI:10.1016/S0740-5472(03)00105-7
- Chanen AM, Jackson HJ, McCutcheon LK, Jovev M, Dudgeon P, Yuen HP, et al. Early intervention for adolescents with BPD. Br J Psychiatry. 2008;193(6):477-484. DOI:10.1192/bjp.bp.107.037747
- Tull MT, Gratz KL, Weiss NH. BPD, PTSD and substance use. Compr Psychiatry. 2011;52(6):642-648. DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2010.11.002
- Verheul R. Comorbidity of personality disorders in SUD. Eur Psychiatry. 2001;16(5):274-282. DOI:10.1016/S0924-9338(01)00578-4
- Ball SA. Personality traits and SUD. J Res Pers. 2005;39(1):84-102. DOI:10.1016/j.jrp.2004.09.002
- Newton-Howes G, Weaver T, Tyrer P. Systematic review of PD+SUD. Br J Psychiatry. 2008;192(2):89-98. DOI:10.1192/bjp.bp.106.035535
- Hopwood CJ, Morey LC, Skodol AE, Stout RL, Yen S, Ansell EB, et al. Five-factor model traits and AUD. J Pers Disord. 2011;25(5):695-711. DOI:10.1521/pedi.2011.25.5.695
- Zanarini MC, Frankenburg FR, Reich DB, Fitzmaurice G. 10-year course of BPD. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2012;122(2):103-113. DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2012.01863.x
- Darke S, Ross J, Teesson M, Lynskey M. BPD, ASPD and risk in heroin users. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2004;74(1):77-83. DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2003.12.002
- Paris J. Personality disorders and addictions. In: Sher KJ, ed. Oxford Handbook of Substance Use Disorders. OUP; 2014. DOI:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199381678.013.47
- Storebø OJ, Stoffers-Winterling JM, Völlm BA, Kongerslev MT, Mattivi JT, Jørgensen MS, et al. Psychological therapies for BPD. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5:CD012955. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD012955.pub2
- McMain SF, Links PS, Gnam WH, Guimond T, Cardish RJ, Korman L. et al. DBT vs GPM for BPD (RCT). Am J Psychiatry. 2009;166(12):1365-1374. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09010039
- McMain SF, Guimond T, Streiner DL, Cardish RJ, Links PS. Two-year DBT vs GPM outcomes. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169(6):650-661. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11091416
- Verheul R, Van Den Bosch LM, Koeter MW, De Ridder MA, Stijnen T, Van Den Brink. DBT trial in Netherlands. Br J Psychiatry. 2003;182(2):135-140. DOI:10.1192/bjp.182.2.135
- Van den Bosch LM, Verheul R, Schippers GM, van den Brink W. DBT with/without SUD. Addict Behav. 2002;27(6):911-923. DOI:10.1016/S0306-4603(02)00293-9
- Stoffers-Winterling JM, Lieb K. Pharmacotherapy for BPD. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17:534. DOI:10.1007/s11920-014-0534-0
- Bateman AW, Gunderson J, Mulder R. Treatment of PD. Lancet. 2015;385:735-743. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61394-5
- Skodol AE, Morey LC, Bender DS, Oldham JM. Alternative DSM-5 Model for PD. Am J Psychiatry. 2015;172:606-613. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14101220
- Tyrer P, Reed GM, Crawford MJ. Classification of PD. Lancet. 2015;385:717-726. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61995-4
- Kendler KS, Prescott CA, Myers J, Neale MC. Genetic/environmental risk factors. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(9):929-937. DOI:10.1001/archpsyc.60.9.929
- Grant BF, Saha TD, Ruan WJ, Goldstein RB, Chou SP, Jung J. et al. DSM-5 SUD epidemiology. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73:39-47. DOI:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2132
- Volkow ND, Boyle M. Neuroscience of addiction. Am J Psychiatry. 2018;175:729-740. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17101174
- NICE. Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management. Clinical Guideline 78. London: NICE; 2009 (updated 2018).
- NICE. Antisocial personality disorder: prevention and management. Clinical Guideline 77. London: NICE; 2009 (updated 2018).
- Stoffers JM, Völlm BA, Rücker G, Timmer A, Huband N, Lieb K. et al. Psychotherapies for BPD: meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry. 2022;220:94-104. DOI:10.1192/bjp.2021.204
- Bateman AW, Fonagy P. MBT for PD: practical guide. Oxford: OUP; 2016.
- Leichsenring F, Leibing E, Kruse J, New AS, Leweke F. BPD (Seminar). Lancet. 2011;377:74-84. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61422-5
- Oldham JM. BPD and suicidality. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(1):20-26. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.1.20
- Becker DF, Grilo CM, Edell WS, McGlashan TH. Comorbidity in adolescents. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157:1641-1647. DOI:10.1176/appi.ajp.157.10.1641
- Tyrer P. Accurate recording of PD. BJPsych Bull. 2018;42(6):275-278. DOI:10.1192/bjb.2018.55
- WHO. ICD-11 for Mental and Behavioural Disorders: clinical descriptions. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
- Mulder RT, Tyrer P, Crawford M. ICD-11 PD utility. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:655548. DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655548
- Oltmanns JR, Widiger TA. Assessment of ICD-11 Trait Model. Assessment. 2019;26(5):944-955. DOI:10.1177/1073191117731811
- Khantzian EJ. The self-medication hypothesis of substance use disorders: reconsideration and recent applications. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 1997;4(5):231-244. DOI:10.3109/10673229709030550
- Blanco C, Xu Y, Brady K, et al. PTSD and alcohol dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;132(3):630-638. DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.04.015
- Goodwin RD, Hamilton SP. Comorbidity of ASPD and SUD. Compr Psychiatry. 2003;44(2):111-120. DOI:10.1053/comp.2003.50017
- Arble E. Antisocial personality traits, substance use, and somatization. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(1):61. DOI:10.3390/ijerph21010061
- Boog M, Visser MC, Clarijs L, Franken IHA, Arntz A. One-Year Follow-Up: Schema Therapy for BPD+AUD. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2024;31(2):e11425. DOI:10.1002/cpp.11425
- Distress tolerance across substance use, eating, and BPD. J Psychiatr Res. 2022;146:100-107. DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.023
- Psychopathy, BPD, and Substance Use in incarcerated women. Crim Justice Behav. 2021;48(9):1207-1224. DOI:10.1177/00938548211033336
- Timothy J. Trull, Lindsey K. Freeman, Tayler J. Vebares, Alexandria M. Choate, Ashley C. Helle, Andrea M. Wycoff. Borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders: updated review. Borderline Pers Disord Emot Dysregul. 2018;5:15. DOI:10.1186/s40479-018-0093-9
- Psychopathology of ASPD. Egypt J Neurol Psychiatry Neurosurg. 2023;59:66. DOI:10.1186/s41983-023-00717-4
- Gunderson JG, Herpertz SC, Skodol AE, Torgersen S, Zanarini MC. Borderline personality disorder: a clinical perspective. World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):282-293. DOI:10.1002/wps.20562
- Bateman AW, Krawitz R. BPD: evidence-based guide. Oxford: OUP; 2013.
- NICE. NICE evidence surveillance for CG77/CG78. London: NICE; 2018.
- Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A. BPD and childhood trauma: biological link. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19:75. DOI:10.1007/s11920-017-0830-8
- Fassino S, Daga GA, Delsedime N, Rogna L, Boggio S. Quality of life and PD in heroin abusers. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2004;76(1):73-80. DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2004.04.013
- Tcheremissine OV, Lieving LM. Pharmacotherapy of impulsivity and aggression in ASPD. CNS Drugs. 2006;20(10):807-820. DOI:10.2165/00023210-200620100-00004