Integrating Perspectives of Patients, Their Significant Others, and Therapists on Recovery From Personality Disorders: A Mixed-Methods Study

Patients with personality disorders (PDs) often struggle in life after treatment, even when symptomatic remission is achieved. The question arises of whether current outcome measurements are relevant for patients and people around them. To address this, we used concept mapping, a mixed-method approach, to construct a framework of recovery from the perspectives of patients, their significant others, and therapists (n = 39). Participants brainstormed what recovery involved and then prioritied and clustered these ideas (n = 61). Data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, resulting in 45 statements grouped into four themes: understanding and recognizing yourself, regulating emotions, giving direction to your life, and connecting with others. Understanding and recognizing yourself was identified as the most important area of change. This study offers an evidence-based framework for recovery in PD, providing a foundation for developing outcome measurements that reflect the needs of patients and their significant others beyond symptom reduction.