Long -term prognosis and aftercare in short-term inpatient psychotherapy of personality disorders: A randomised clinical trial of two methods of aftercare

Our aim in this study was to compare the results of two different forms of aftercare: a re-integration training aimed at improving functioning in general and at work, and the center’s usual aftercare treatment of two booster sessions. Besides we examined the long-term prognosis of short-term inpatient psychotherapy followed by aftercare and predictive qualities of personality disorders and psychological variables. Our studies addressed the following research questions: 1. Is the re-integration training more effective, in terms of work resumption, absence from work, and impediments at work than the usual aftercare consisting of two one-day booster sessions? (Chapter 2). 2. What is the impact of personality disorders and of type of aftercare on the outcome, measured by symptom levels, employment status, and number of outpatient psychotherapy sessions? (Chapter 3). 3. What is the impact of psychological variables (defensive mechanisms, five-factor personality traits, and social support) and type of aftercare on symptom levels, employment status, and number of outpatient psychotherapy sessions? (Chapter 4). 4. Is there a difference at baseline between successful and non-successful patients and dropouts? (Chapter 5)