Ninety-seven patients consecutively admitted to a day unit specializing in the treatment of personality disorders were included in a prospective follow-up study. At follow-up an average of 3 years after index admission, patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) displayed a moderate symptom reduction and a fair global outcome. Patients with schizotypal personality disorder (STP) showed a similar reduction in symptoms but retained relatively poor global functioning. Individuals with cluster C personality disorders, in contrast, showed both a good global outcome and a marked symptom reduction. STP individuals were the least socially adjusted, employed and self-supporting of all diagnostic subgroups. STP and BPD individuals had far more inpatient treatment in the follow-up period than other groups. The overall suicide rate was low compared with most similar studies.