Factors associated with multiple hospitalizations of patients with borderline personality disorder

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to identify aspects of borderline personality disorder and comorbid axis I conditions associated with multiple hospitalizations in a sample of patients with borderline personality disorder. METHODS: Data were collected as part of a larger study of treatment course of inpatients with this disorder. Predictors of multiple hospitalization from three domains were considered: demographic characteristics, criteria of borderline personality disorder, and comorbid axis I pathology. A sequential model-building strategy was used, with each domain considered separately and result combined into an overall regression model of factors related to multiple hospitalization. RESULTS: Three factors were related to frequency of hospitalization: anorexia, psychotic symptoms, and suicidality. Other variables that are often assumed to be related to hospitalization, such as depression, did not emerge as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should intervene early to address the emergence of certain axis I conditions among patients with borderline personality disorder. Increased expenditure of outpatient resources may prevent hospitalization when these conditions are present.