Objective: To review the treatment outcome of personality disorders.

Method: A literature search of studies pertaining to personality disorder and outcome was conducted, and studies that focused primarily on Axis II were retained. Of these, naturalistic outcome studies were distinguished from those that addressed treatment outcome specifically. The treatment outcome studies were examined in terms of type of treatment intervention, dependent variables, and outcome.

Results: Contrary to contemporary assumptions about Axis II, a substantial number of treatment outcome studies were identified. Trends in the assumptions underlying psychosocial and pharmacologic approaches were identified on the basis of dependent variables.

Conclusion: There is evidence that effective treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and reduce symptomatic behaviours that accompany personality disorders. What these results hold for the idea of remission from personality disorder is considered.