Factors associated with multiple hospitalizations of patients with borderline personality disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The study sought to identify aspects of borderline personality disorder and comorbid axis I conditions associated with multiple hospitalizations in a sample of patients with borderline personality disorder.


METHODS
Data were collected as part of a larger study of treatment course of inpatients with this disorder. Predictors of multiple hospitalization from three domains were considered: demographic characteristics, criteria of borderline personality disorder, and comorbid axis I pathology. A sequential model-building strategy was used, with each domain considered separately and result combined into an overall regression model of factors related to multiple hospitalization.


RESULTS
Three factors were related to frequency of hospitalization: anorexia, psychotic symptoms, and suicidality. Other variables that are often assumed to be related to hospitalization, such as depression, did not emerge as significant predictors.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should intervene early to address the emergence of certain axis I conditions among patients with borderline personality disorder. Increased expenditure of outpatient resources may prevent hospitalization when these conditions are present.
Hull
J W
JW
New York Hospital Cornell University Medical Center, Westchester Division, White Plains 10605, USA.
Yeomans
F
F
Clarkin
J
J
Li
C
C
Goodman
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome