FACTORS PREDICTING READMISSIONS IN PERSONALITY-DISORDERS AND OTHER NONPSYCHOTIC ILLNESSES - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON 64 FIRST-EVER ADMISSIONS TO THE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC OF TURKU, FINLAND

A retrospective study of factors predicting readmissions and follow-up treatment was undertaken of ah first-ever episodes of inpatient care (age under 65), excluding psychotic and organic mental disorders, duri ng 1987 and 1988 in University Psychiatric Clinic in Turku City Hospit al, Finland. The cohort consisted of 64 subjects, 24 men and 40 women. The study was carried out in the end of 1993, thus allowing about 5 y ears of follow-up. The diagnosis of personality disorder did not predi ct readmission. The only factor predicting readmission nearly signific antly was not having a relationship. The incidence of the revolving do or syndrome, defined as 4 or more admissions within 5 years, was 12.5% . Women had a greater risk of readmission, but not that of the revolvi ng door. Patients who had psychotherapy as follow-up treatment showed a frequency of 8% for 4 or more admissions, whereas patients who had n o follow-up treatment had a frequency of 21% for 4 or more readmission s. The only factor significantly predicting follow-up treatment arrang ement was previous treatment contact.