Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Does the Type of Treatment Make a Difference?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe first aim of this review is to summarize the major evidence-based psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the research supporting their use. The second aim is to explore the evidence for the differential effectiveness of these treatments.Recent FindingsFour types of specific psychotherapies are identified that show promising results in at least two randomized controlled trials. In addition, several adjunctive and minimal/pragmatic interventions are available that are supported by research evidence. Recent findings highlight the applicability of these treatments across settings and populations and have begun to show that modified versions of them are also beneficial.SummaryThere is solid evidence that various specific therapies are superior to treatment as usual in the community for borderline personality disorder. There is no reliable evidence that any of these specific treatments is more effective than any other, however. In addition, existing treatments have many elements in common that may be responsible in part for their effects. Future research will be needed to uncover the influence of various study design factors, patient characteristics, and treatment parameters on psychotherapy outcome for BPD.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research