Mental health service use and costs associated with complex emotional needs and a diagnosis of personality disorder: analysis of routine data

Aims and methodWe aimed to estimate the costs of care for people with a personality disorder diagnosis and compare service use and costs for those receiving specialist input and those receiving generic care. Service use data were obtained from records and costs calculated. Comparisons were made between those who received care from specialist personality disorder teams and those who did not. Demographic and clinical predictors of costs were identified with regression modelling. ResultsMean total costs before diagnosis were 10 pound 156 for the specialist group and 11 pound 531 for the non-specialist group. Post-diagnosis costs were 24 pound 017 and 22 pound 266 respectively. Costs were associated with specialist care, comorbid conditions and living outside of London. Clinical implicationsReceiving increased support from a specialist service may reduce the need for in-patient care. This may be clinically appropriate and results in a distribution of costs.

Automated summary

This study aimed to estimate the costs of care for individuals with a personality disorder diagnosis, and compare service use and costs between those receiving specialist input and those receiving generic care. Service use data was collected from records and costs were calculated. Comparisons were made between individuals receiving care from specialist personality disorder teams and those who did not. Regression modeling identified demographic and clinical factors that predicted costs. Results showed that mean total costs before diagnosis were £10,156 for the specialist group and £11,531 for the non-specialist group. Post-diagnosis costs were £24,017 and £22,266 respectively. Costs were associated with specialist care, comorbid conditions, and living outside of London.