• To describe personality characteristics in personality disorders (PDs) patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) comorbidity.

• Data on demographic, family, and clinical factors were gathered among subjects admitted to our dual diagnosis unit who met DSM-IV criteria for PDs and had comorbidity with SUDs.

• To explore the psychometric characteristics we used the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R).

• Overall, 32 subjects were assessed (72% males; mean age 38,4±7,3). Mean length of admission was 17,6 ± 7,5 days. Suicide attempt/ideation (50%) and behaviour disruption (19%) were main symptoms at admittance. Main drugs were alcohol (59,4%) and cocaine (15,6%); 24% had polydrug dependence (3 or more SUDs).

• TCI results showed a profile characterized by low self-directness (78,1%), low cooperativeness (46,9%) and high novelty seeking (31,3%).

• Sedative SUDs group (including alcohol, cannabis, and benzodiacepines SUDs) showed higher scores in asthenia (70,6 ± 2 vs. 57,52 ± 3,2; p=0,002), and locus of control (44,8 ± 4,1 vs. 31,4 ± 32,6; p=0,039) than stimulant SUDs group (including cocaine and amphetamine-like SUDs).

• Polydrug dependence group had higher scores in spiritual acceptance (63,6 ± 4,2 vs. 49,9 ± 2; p=0,003).

• The older group (38 thru highest) had higher scores in cooperativeness (44,8 ±3,2 vs. 35,7 ± 3,1; p=0,05) and compassion (47,9 ± 3,7 vs. 36,2 ± 3,8; p=0,03).

• We found a profile characterized by low scores in self-directness and cooperativeness as seen in previous surveys.

• The older patients seems attenuate some maladaptative personality characteristics.