Understanding perceived social support among women with personality disorder clusters.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand perceived social support (PSS) among women with personality disorder (PD). We also investigated potential differences in PSS according to PD clusters (clusters A, B, C). METHODS Women (n = 718) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders. Multivariable regression and analyses of covariance were employed, controlling for psychiatric and sociodemographic confounders. RESULTS After age-adjustment, PD (any) and the PD clusters were negatively associated with PSS across all subscales. Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons revealed lower: significant other PSS for cluster A; family PSS for cluster C, friend PSS for clusters B and C; and total PSS for clusters B and C. CONCLUSION Aspects of PSS were predominantly lower among women with cluster B and C PDs.