Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 August 2012
Interpersonal effectiveness and social competence are central issues in treatment engagement and recovery for women with a diagnosis of personality disorder or schizophrenia in secure psychiatric settings.
To assess the effectiveness of a manualized group cognitive behavioural treatment for women admitted to a secure inpatient unit.
Thirty four patients were divided into treatment completers and non completers on the basis of rates of attendance. Pre-post measures covered interpersonal problems, self efficacy, company, relationships and risk behaviours.
Completers show significant pre-post changes on all measures, in contrast to non completers. Completers were younger and more likely to have experienced psychotherapy in the past.
Results provide confirmatory evidence for the value of training in interpersonal and communication skills training for women in secure care. The failure of one third of patients to complete treatment raises issues about the timing and applicability of treatment for some patients.