Personality disorders meeting DSM or ICD criteria represent the severe end of the broad spectrum of personality configurations involving maladaptive traits. The literature regarding long term outcome of personality disorders is sparse. Borderline patients at 10-25 year follow-up have a wide range of outcomes, from clinical recovery (50-60%) to suicide (3-9%). Personality traits and their corresponding disorders are egtosytonic, and are difficult to modify. (82 refs.)