Personality‐Guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: A Quasi‐Randomized Experiment

Abstract

Personality disorders are highly prevalent among alcohol-dependent populations and result in a seriously elevated risk for non-responding to treatment; therefore, they represent a major challenge for professionals providing treatment for alcohol dependence. Personality-guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence (PETAD), an approach that integrates cognitive therapy for addictive behaviors with strategic intervention for maladaptive personality features, may be helpful for patients with co-morbid alcohol dependence and personality disorders. Clients admitted for inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence at Ringgaarden, Denmark (n = 108) were allocated to either standard inpatient treatment with cognitive therapy for alcohol dependence, or PETAD. Both treatments were manualized. Clients were followed up by mail at six months post-treatment and administered the MCMI-I and II and the SCL-90 at intake, post-treatment, and at follow-up. PETAD was associated with better retention, longer time to first relapse, and less time spent drinking post-treatment, although few differences reached statistical significance. Differences in results were mainly found in the subgroup with higher levels of PD. The study suggests that PETAD is a promising approach that warrants further study.

Treatment for comorbid borderline personality disorder and alcohol use disorders: A review of the evidence and future recommendations.

“…Although these psychotherapies have been tested in samples of patients with comorbid BPD or BPD-traits, the interventions were not designed specifically for patients with comorbid BPD and thus, do not generally examine their efficacy on reducing BPD symptoms (Nordholm & Nielsen, 2007; Conrod et al, 2000, 2006, 2010; Watt, Stewart, Birch & Bernier, 2006; Nielsen, Røjskjær & Hesse, 2007). For example, Nordholm and Nielsen (2007) conducted a study in which patients with personality disorders (PDs) were divided into three groups and compared to a group without personality disorders.…”

“…Nielsen and colleagues (2007) developed the Personality-guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence (PETAD), an approach that integrates cognitive therapy for addictive behaviors with strategic interventions for maladaptive personality features. PETAD’s efficacy was compared against standard cognitive therapy among 108 inpatients with AD over a 12-week treatment period.…”

Personality Disorders in Substance Abusers: A Comparison of Patients Treated in A Prison Unit and Patients Treated in Inpatient Treatment

“…Evidence is emerging that substance abuse treatment is more effective, if it addresses personality related issues, including personality disorders (Conrod et al 2000;Ball et al 2005;Nielsen et al 2007).…”

Screening for personality disorder with the Standardised Assessment of Personality: Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS): further evidence of concurrent validity

“…Substance dependent patients display the full range of personality disorders, and these diverse disorders predict impairment in different areas of functioning [2]. A growing body of research suggests that a dual focus on both personality disorder and substance use disorder is superior to treatment that focuses only on the substance use disorder itself (e.g [3]).…”