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some older articles made our investigation more complete. The older studies we chose typically featured larger population sizes. Some of the older papers also captured longer time horizons and thus spoke to the changes over time in Axis II illness. One limitation of older studies was use of older DSM criteria (ie DSM III). Results: The prevalence of personality disorders in elderly compared to young adults showed a significant difference. The most striking findings are the comparatively high percentage of subjects without PD in the older group and the equally high number of severe and complex PDs among the young group. Some personality disorders appear as if they increase in prevalence with age. Rather than de novo onset in later life (not consistent with stipulation about emergence in adolescence or young adulthood) it may be survivability. Conclusions: An improved understanding of personality disorders over the lifespan is needed. Studies have shown the prevalence of personality disorders is less compared to young adults. Many difficulties should be kept in mind when diagnosing elderly with a Axis II pathology. Due to limited literature many questions arise when trying to treat these disorders. Therefore more research is needed.