Mental health service use and costs associated with complex emotional needs and a diagnosis of personality disorder: analysis of routine data.

Aims and method: We aimed to estimate the costs of care for people with a personality disorder diagnosis and compare service use and costs for those receiving specialist input and those receiving generic care. Service use data were obtained from records and costs calculated. Comparisons were made between those who received care from specialist personality disorder teams and those who did not. Demographic and clinical predictors of costs were identified with regression modelling.

Results: Mean total costs before diagnosis were £10 156 for the specialist group and £11 531 for the non-specialist group. Post-diagnosis costs were £24 017 and £22 266 respectively. Costs were associated with specialist care, comorbid conditions and living outside of London.

Clinical implications: Receiving increased support from a specialist service may reduce the need for in-patient care. This may be clinically appropriate and results in a distribution of costs.