Treatment outcome of personality disorders

Author(s): McGlashan, T. H.

Journal/Book: Can J Psychiatry. 1998; 43: Suite 200, 237 Argyle Ave, Ottawa on K2P 1B8, Canada. Canadian Psychiatric Assoc. 237-250.

Abstract: Objective: To review the treatment outcome of personality disorders. Method: A literature search of studies pertaining to personality disorder and outcome was conducted, and stz!dies that focused primarily on Axis II were retained Of these, naturalistic outcome studies were distinguished from those that addressed treatment outcome specifically. The treatment outcome studies were examined in terms of type of treatment intervention, dependent variables, and outcome. Results: Contrary to contemporary assumptions about Axis II, a substantial number of treatment outcome studies were identified. Trends in the assumptions underlying psychosocial and pharmacologic approaches were identified on the basis of dependent variables. Conclusion: There is evidence that effective treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and reduce symptomatic behaviours that accompany personality disorders. What these results hold for the idea of remission from personality, disorder is considered.

Note: Review Sanislow CA, Yale Univ, Sch Med, Yale Psychiat Inst, Dept Psychiat, POB 208038, New Haven,CT 06520 USA

Keyword(s): personality disorders; treatment outcome; outcome; Axis II; symptoms; symptomatic behaviours; functioning; stability; remission; TERM FOLLOW-UP; PARASUICIDAL BORDERLINE PATIENTS; SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS; IMPULSIVE AGGRESSION; BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT; PSYCHOTHERAPY; HALOPERIDOL; FLUOXETINE; AMITRIPTYLINE; STABILITY

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