2009/10/06 by Mary C. Zanarini · 2 citations
Psychology · #Personality Disorders and Psychopathology #Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy #Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01448.x
openalex publication_date 2009/10/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
OBJECTIVE: Psychotherapy is considered the primary treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Currently, there are four comprehensive psychosocial treatments for BPD. Two of these treatments are considered psychodynamic in nature: mentalization-based treatment and transference-focused psychotherapy. The other two are considered to be cognitive-behavioral in nature: dialectical behavioral therapy and schema-focused therapy. METHOD: A review of the relevant literature was conducted. RESULTS: Each of these lengthy and complex psychotherapies significantly reduces the severity of borderline psychopathology or at least some aspects of it, particularly physically self-destructive acts. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive, long-term psychotherapy can be a useful form of treatment for those with BPD. However, less intensive and less costly forms of treatment need to be developed.