Impact of Cluster B Personality Disorders in Drugs Therapeutic Community Treatment Outcomes: A Study Based on Real World Data

• Main Authors: Daniel Dacosta-Sánchez, Carmen Díaz-Batanero, Fermin Fernandez-Calderon, Óscar M. Lozano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: drug abuse; therapeutic community; outcomes; dropout; dual pathology; comorbid mental disorders
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/12/2572

Background: The impact of dual pathology on treatment outcomes is unclear, with the literature reporting both favorable and unfavorable evidence. The main aim of this study was to determine how dual pathology affects treatment outcomes using real world data obtained from inpatients that began treatment in therapeutic communities. Method: The data of 2458 inpatients were used. Clinical information was obtained from electronic medical records. Reliability of diagnosis was checked and revealed a mean kappa value of 0.88. Results: Of the sample, 41.8% were discharged after achieving the therapeutic objectives. Patients diagnosed with Cluster B personality disorders were found to have a higher risk of dropping out of treatment (HR = 1.320; z = 2.61; <i>p</i> = 0.009). Conclusions: Personality traits exhibited by Cluster B patients can interfere with treatment in therapeutic communities. There is a need to develop specific interventions for these inpatient groups, which could be implemented in therapeutic communities.