The burden of personality disorders on the DSM 5 addiction to tobacco during pregnancy

Background: Tobacco smoking is a major health concern. Many women smoke during their reproductive years, some of them during their pregnancy. Adverse outcomes for the newborns physical health are well recognized, while the influence on their mental health is still under investigation. We aim at demonstrating the contribution of maternal personality disorders in maintaining addiction to tobacco during pregnancy, to underline their role and the need of their detection as a preventive effort. Method: 150 women, consecutively admitted to the Perinatal Psychiatric Outpatient Department were tested with the SCID II, CTQ, WHOQOL-BREF, EPDS, BDI and BAI. Tobacco use disorder was attested with the fulfillment of DSM 5 criteria. Results: 46% (n = 69) of the sample was affected by at least one personality disorder (“PD+”). “PD+” showed a significant higher rate of pregnant women addicted to tobacco (p = 0.021). The average number of cigarettes per day was notably distinct, since patients affected by “NPD” smokes twice the amount compared to “PD−” and “other PDs” while those affected by Borderline PD has a halfway consumption (7.20 ± 5.54 vs 3.37 ± 4.62 vs 3 ± 3.39 vs 5.50 ± 4.10). ANOVA and POST HOC showed a significance between “NPD” and “other PDs” (p = 0.035), and “other PDs” has significantly the highest rate of active smokers. Conclusion: Personality disorders demonstrate to be a clear contributor in supporting addiction to tobacco during pregnancy. Short and long term health and mental consequences attested in the newborn, encourage awareness in detecting tobacco dependency during this sensitive period. The inclusion of personality evaluation and management in tobacco dependency treatment programs is strictly encouraged to boost their efficiency and increase tobacco abstinence