Admission patterns of patients with personality disorder

Abstract

Aims and method. To examine the prevalence and admission patterns of patients with personality disorder admitted to a Scottish general adult psychiatry service. We carried out a retrospective case-note study of patients identified from the computerised patient administration system. A subgroup of patients was identified as having a longer in-patient stay. Their admission pattern over the preceding 4 years was studied further. Results. Sixty-two of 844 patients admitted had personality disorder. Thirty-nine had a primary diagnosis of personality disorder, 19 had an additional diagnosis of psychiatric disorder and 12 of alcohol or substance misuse. Within the subgroup admitted for longer in 2001, patterns of few/brief and numerous/often lengthy admissions were noted in earlier years. Clinical implications. Personality disorder occurs in approximately 7% of admissions to general adult psychiatry beds. Many have additional diagnoses of psychiatric disorder, or substance or alcohol misuse further complicating their treatment.