Protocol: Personality assessment as a support for referral and case-work in treatment for substance use disorders (PASRC-study)
2008

Personality Assessment in Substance Use Treatment

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Morten Hesse, Mads K Pedersen

Primary Institution: University of Aarhus, Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research

Hypothesis

Does routine assessment of personality disorders improve treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders?

Conclusion

Routine personality assessment may enhance the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with personality disorders often drop out of substance abuse treatment.
  • Integrated treatment for personality and substance use disorders may be more effective than treatment focusing solely on substance use.
  • Routine assessment of personality disorders could lead to better treatment outcomes.

Takeaway

This study looks at whether checking for personality issues can help people who have problems with drugs or alcohol get better treatment.

Methodology

A randomized controlled trial comparing personality disorder assessment with general life situation interviews.

Potential Biases

Potential emotional reactions from therapists towards patients with personality disorders may affect treatment.

Limitations

The study may not fully account for the complexities of personality disorders in treatment settings.

Participant Demographics

Adults seeking treatment for substance use disorders in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-8-30

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