Perplexing issues in personality disorders

Purpose of review Individuals who are diagnosed with personality disorders are believed to suffer long-standing and deeply entrenched problems in living. Furthermore, they show symptoms of distress and suffering, often severe. This is an area that demands close and rigorous attention. A review of current progress and pitfalls is provided. Recent findings A number of themes were pursued in research on personality disorders during the past year. This review concentrates on scientific findings of brain abnormalities, issues of comorbidity, studies that suggest the possibility of remission, and the few studies directly addressing questions about gender and culture. Several philosophical questions that underlie current research are raised. Summary Personality disorders continue to be well researched and persistently confusing. Some progress has been made, but taxonomical and theoretical questions plague this area.