An innovative outreach service for people with severe personality disorders: Patient characteristics and clinical activities

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents descriptive quantitative data on the first 12 months of operation of an innovative outreach service for people with severe personality disorders (SPD). Between November 1995 and November 1996, 156 patients were referred to the service for outpatient treatment, inpatient preparatory work, post-inpatient follow-up and advice on management. The psychological and psychiatric characteristics of these patients are described using a range of standardized self-report scales. Scores indicate high levels of personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder and associated behavioural and social problems. The various clinical activities of the service are described. These include the provision of individual and group psychotherapies, referrals for specialist inpatient admission and the provision of specialist advice on management to local referrers. Evidence suggests that the service is successfully achieving its aims in providing a specialist community service for people ...