title: [Treatment outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation: a follow-up study at an italian therapeutic community].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment of severely ill patients with psychotic and personality disorders is often conducted in residential settings such as the Therapeutic Communities (TC). In these facilities a multidisciplinary model is employed to ensure integrative care of the complex psychiatric patient. Although the cost of such programs is very high, evidence of efficacy and effectiveness is scarce, especially in Italy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of TC treatment in a group of patients with severe psychotic and personality disorders. Eighty-one patients have been assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up in the following areas: global functioning, quality of life, emotion regulation, coping strategies, and insight into illness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of follow-up we could find an improvement in functioning, quality of life, a greater engagement in goal-oriented behaviors, together with a lesser utilization of avoidant coping strategies. However the high dropout rates, which are associated with substance abuse and a diagnosis of personality disorders, should be acknowledged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study reports the efficacy of residential TC treatment for some severely ill patients with psychotic and personality disorders. Strategies aimed at increasing the motivation and preparation of patients before the program begins should be implemented in order to reduce the high dropout rates.
authors.affiliation: Comunità Terapeutica "Il Porto" ONLUS, Moncalieri (TO).
authors.forename: Virginio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Salvi
authors.affiliation: Comunità Terapeutica "Il Porto" ONLUS, Moncalieri (TO).
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boccardo
authors.affiliation: Comunità Terapeutica "Il Porto" ONLUS, Moncalieri (TO).
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giannini
authors.affiliation: Comunità Terapeutica "Il Porto" ONLUS, Moncalieri (TO).
authors.forename: Metello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corulli
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome