Family Behavior Therapy for Antisocial and Narcissistic Personality Disorders in China: An Open Study

Background and Objectives: In China, most patients with mental problems are treated outside hospital, and family therapy is a reasonable choice for them. Using variety of skills trainings, it successfully manages Axis I symptoms of the borderline personality disorder sufferers. We therefore conducted an open study by applying this therapy to the patients with antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders and their family members. Methods: Twenty-two out of 50 patients with antisocial, and 14 out of 30 with narcissistic personality disorders completed an eight-session family behavior therapy program. Patients’ Axis I symptoms were measured with a self-reported visual analogue scale, the depressive mood was measured with the Plutchik-van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP), and Axis II personality dysfunctions were measured with the Parker Personality Measure (PERM). Their results before and after the therapy were compared to those obtained in 30 healthy volunteers. Results: After treatment, most self-reported symptoms and PVP scores were significantly lowered in both patient groups. The PERM antisocial T-score in the antisocial group and the PERM narcissistic T-score in the narcissistic group were also significantly decreased. The PERM scale scores were not significantly modified by the treatment in the antisocial group, but some of them were significantly normalized in the narcissistic group. Conclusion: Short-session family behavior therapy could significantly reduce Axis I symptoms in the two groups, and normalize some Axis II dysfunctions in the narcissistic rather than in the antisocial group (German J Psychiatry 2008; 11: 91-97).