Personality disorder: incidence, co-morbid disorders and cost within a northern mental health trust

This study had five aims: (1) to ascertain the numbers of persons with personality disorder admitted to adult acute psychiatric wards (AAPWs) between 2004 and 2009 throughout a Mental Health NHS Trust; (2) to ascertain the number of referrals to community services of persons with personality disorder; (3) to uncover the number of persons with personality disorder having co-morbid disorders; (4) to see if the results obtained are in keeping with previous research and national statistics; and (5) to briefly uncover the cost of these admissions both locally and nationally. A survey was conducted throughout a Northern Mental Health Trust which found that 271 persons with personality disorder have been admitted to AAPWs from 2004 to 2009 throughout this Trust. Ninety-six persons having a secondary diagnosis of personality disorder were also found. One hundred ninety-four persons with personality disorder having a co-morbid disorder were found. Examination of national statistics from the Hospital Episodes Statistics web site from 2002 through 2008 found 993 admissions for persons with personality disorder throughout the Trust. Questions are raised about treatment outcomes in relation to multiple and short-term admissions. Questions concerning the training and knowledge among mental health professionals were also explored.