Short-term Psychological Interventions for Bordeline Personality Disorder–What Works?

Abstract

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and disabling personality disorder associated with difficulties in controlling emotions and impulses, self-injury, feelings of emptiness and abandonment. It is associated with problems in many areas of life, most notably relationships. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment for people with borderline personality disorder widely used; however, the evidence is not thoroughly investigated. In addition, several specific short-term interventions have been developed during the last decades.

Objectives

We are currently updating this cochrane collaboration review on psychological interventions for BPD. First findings on the up-to-date evidence relating to short-term psychological interventions will be presented.

Methods

We conducted a cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Any randomized comparisons of psychological interventions versus unspecific control interventions, waitlist or specific psychotherapeutic interventions in adult BPD patients were eligible. Primary outcomes were BPD core pathology as depicted by DSM criteria. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, general psychopathology, dropouts and adverse events. Two independent researchers selected trials, assessed quality and extracted data independently.

Results

The current evidence of short-term psychological interventions in general and the different types of interventions for which RCT evidence is currently available will be evaluated.

Disclosure of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.