ABSTRACT
Objective
This study aimed to examine patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes of a 34-week Group Schema Day Treatment (GSDT) program combined with individual Schema Therapy, for individuals with cluster B and C personality disorders.
Method
A naturalistic design was utilized with 39 adult patients (mean age = 33.95; SD = 10.83; 62% female) primary diagnosed with personality disorders from clusters B and C. The therapy outcome measures were assessed before the start of treatment (T0), 8 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks in treatment (T2), and between the first and second follow-up (T3).
Results
Significant positive change was observed in overall patient satisfaction, with effect sizes for the treatment satisfaction domains (information, shared decision, satisfaction of therapists, overall satisfaction and treatment mark) ranging from -0.36 to 0.98 (Cohen’s d). Significant reductions were observed in psychological symptoms, personality disorder severity, and dysfunctional schemas, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) ranging from 0.77 to 0.87. Increase in healthy modes showed a smaller effect size of 0.24. The dropout rate was 17.9%.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that GSDT is generally well-accepted by patients who report high satisfaction with the treatment. It could be potentially effective in treating mixed cluster B and C personality disorders. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to better understand the relationship between patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes, as well as to assess cost-effectiveness.