Do Personality Factors Predict Retention within Therapeutic Communities for Residents Presenting with Amphetamine-Type Stimulant (ATS) Use Disorders?

Abstract

Introduction and Aims: Using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory - III (MCMI-III), this study aimed to determine what personality factors, if any, would predict retention within therapeutic community (TC) treatment for residents presenting with Amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use disorders. The MCMI-III identifies the deeper and pervasive personality characteristics underlying a person's overt symptoms; and assists the practitioner to gain an integrated understanding of the relationship between personality characteristics and clinical syndromes in order to facilitate treatment decisions. Design and Methods: Participants were 247 residents from 10 TCs in Australia. The MCMI-III was administered at the commencement of the study and follow-up discharge information was obtained from TCs at 12 months post-baseline to determine which residents had completed the treatment program and the reason for discharge - including program completion and premature discharge from treatment. Results: In line with other studies, it was hypothesised that the presence of personality disorders (PD) would have an adverse effect on the treatment of Axis 1 Disorders, including Substance Use Disorders, and that those residents who had higher scores at the commencement of treatment would show higher drop-out rates. Results from this study showed high drop-out rates amongst residents in both conditions. Discussion and Conclusion: The presence of personality disorders in substance using populations is well-known, and has implications for treatment in both residential and outpatient settings. The additional introduction of a specialised ATS intervention is discussed in light of the results of this study, with suggestions of treatment approaches for clients presenting with high PD scores.