Evaluating Group Schema Day Treatment: Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes in Mixed Personality Disorders

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes of a 34-week Group Schema Day Treatment (GSDT) program combined with individual Schema Therapy, for individuals with cluster B and C personality disorders. METHOD: A naturalistic design was utilized with 39 adult patients (mean age = 33.95; SD = 10.83; 62% female) primary diagnosed with personality disorders from clusters B and C. The therapy outcome measures were assessed before the start of treatment (T0), 8 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks in treatment (T2), and between the first and second follow-up (T3). RESULTS: Significant positive change was observed in overall patient satisfaction, with effect sizes for the treatment satisfaction domains (information, shared decision, satisfaction of therapists, overall satisfaction and treatment mark) ranging from -0.36 to 0.98 (Cohen's d). Significant reductions were observed in psychological symptoms, personality disorder severity, and dysfunctional schemas, with effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranging from 0.77 to 0.87. Increase in healthy modes showed a smaller effect size of 0.24. The dropout rate was 17.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that GSDT is generally well-accepted by patients who report high satisfaction with the treatment. It could be potentially effective in treating mixed cluster B and C personality disorders. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to better understand the relationship between patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes, as well as to assess cost-effectiveness.