Background
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a common and heterogeneous disorder. People with AVPD typically suffer from chronic feelings of inadequacy, sensitivity to being negatively judged by others, and feelings of inferiority. Isolation and long-term difficulties in functioning are common. Few studies have focused on treatment specifically aimed at this patient group. There is a need to develop and test treatment that targets the psychosocial challenges of patients with AVPD.
Metacognitive interpersonal therapy in group (MIT-G) is a manual-based treatment resting on the idea that providing patients with knowledge about social needs and learning to identify these in themselves and others, can help them improve their personal relationships. Psychoeducation, sharing personal examples, role-playing, and group discussions are key elements in the treatment program.
We hypothesize that participating in the treatment program will be associated with improving mental health for patients with AVPD.
Aims
This project aims to examine whether participation in MIT-G is associated with improvements in mental health status and functioning in daily life for patients with AVPD. We also aim to compare the treatment process and outcome with a matched contrast group that receives treatment as usual.
Methods
We apply a quantitative research design with repeated measurements. The study includes 56 participants who meet the criteria for AVPD and have completed a structured fourteen-session MIT-G program.
Data come from questionnaires administered at the beginning, end, and six months after the program's conclusion. The following instruments are included: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP-118), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). We also administered the Group Questionnaire (GQ) in an individual session four weeks into the treatment program and post-treatment.
A contrast group from the Network for Personality Disorders will be used to compare results from the MIT-G group with results from treatment as usual.
Contact
Siri Omvik, Ph.D., Associate professor, Department of Welfare and Participation, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences/ Kronstad DPS, Haukeland University Hospital HF. E-mail: siri.omvik@hvl.no or siri.omvik@helse-bergen.no
Collaborations
The study is conducted at Kronstad DPS, Haukeland University Hospital HF, and in collaboration with the Network for Personality Disorders, Oslo University Hospital.