Patients with personality disorders in private specialist practice

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• Private practitioners with regional health authority contracts are key in psychiatric care.
• Limited data exists on their role in treating personality disorders.
• This study explores their experiences and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe private practitioners' experiences treating patients with personality disorders.
• To assess patient satisfaction with this treatment modality.
• To identify challenges and facilitators in private practice psychotherapy for personality disorders.

Main Methods:

• 46 patients with personality disorders were referred to 26 private practitioners.
• Patients presented with significant symptom severity and functional impairment.
• A 3-year follow-up included therapist questionnaires and patient assessments.

Main Results:

• One-third of patients remained in therapy after 3 years, with a median of 43 sessions.
• Most therapists found the work professionally engaging, and the majority of patients reported satisfaction.
• Dissatisfaction (29%) was linked to substance abuse, irregular attendance, and severe symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Private practice offers flexible treatment durations for personality disorders.
• Substance abuse and behavioral issues pose significant treatment challenges.
• Effective private practice treatment necessitates access to crisis care and hospitalization options.