Process and outcome in psychodynamic hospitalization-based treatment for patients with a personality disorder.
This study examined the relationship between the psychotherapeutic process and outcome in 44 patients who completed hospitalization-based psychodynamic treatment for personality disorders. Using self-report and interview ratings, outcome was assessed in terms of symptoms and personality functioning, and the psychotherapeutic process in terms of self and object relations, felt safety, and reflective functioning. Symptom and process measures were administered at intake, every 3 months during treatment, and at 3 and 12 months follow-up. Personality measures were collected at intake, the end of treatment, and at 3 and 12 months follow-up. Using Piecewise Linear Growth Curve Analysis results showed improvement in symptoms, personality functioning, self and object relations and felt safety, but not in reflective functioning. Linear changes in self and object representation and felt safety, but not in reflective functioning, predicted improvement in outcome.
University Psychiatric Centre, University of Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium. rudi.vermote@uc-kortenberg.be
Rudi
R
Vermote
Benedicte
B
Lowyck
Patrick
P
Luyten
Hans
H
Vertommen
Jozef
J
Corveleyn
Yannick
Y
Verhaest
Rob
R
Stroobants
Bart
B
Vandeneede
Kristof
K
Vansteelandt
Jozef
J
Peuskens
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult