Treatment methods for borderline personality disorder

The treatment methods for borderline personality disorder mainly include psychological therapy, medication therapy, social support intervention, crisis intervention, self-management training, etc. Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by emotional instability, interpersonal conflicts, and self-identity confusion, which requires long-term comprehensive intervention.

1. Psychotherapy

Dialectical behavior therapy is the core treatment method for borderline personality disorder, which combines individual counseling with group skill training to help patients improve their emotional regulation ability. The treatment focuses on pain tolerance training, emotional regulation skills, interpersonal efficacy enhancement, and mindfulness practice. Psychological basic therapy focuses on improving patients' understanding of their own and others' psychological states, and reducing misunderstandings in interpersonal relationships. Empathy focused therapy works on the interaction patterns between patients and therapists to repair early attachment trauma.

2. Drug therapy

Drug therapy mainly provides auxiliary interventions for specific symptoms. Emotion stabilizers help control impulsive aggressive behavior and emotional fluctuations, antidepressants can improve accompanying symptoms of depression and anxiety, and low-dose antipsychotic drugs can help alleviate dissociative symptoms and impaired ability to test reality. It should be noted that drugs cannot change the personality structure itself, and patients may be at risk of drug abuse, so they must be used under strict supervision of a psychiatrist.

3. Social support intervention

Family therapy can improve communication patterns between patients and relatives, and reduce ineffective interactions in the family system. It is crucial to establish a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to provide a sustained and stable support network. Vocational rehabilitation training helps patients gradually recover their social functions and enhance their sense of self-worth through a structured work environment. The supportive group provides a peer experience sharing platform for patients to reduce their sense of shame.

4. Crisis Intervention

Personalized safety plans should be developed for emergency situations such as self injury and suicide, clarifying the triggering factors and response strategies for the crisis. Short term hospitalization is suitable for life-threatening behaviors during acute attacks, but it is necessary to avoid dependence caused by long-term hospitalization. Establish a 24-hour emergency contact channel to ensure that patients can receive professional support in a timely manner when they experience emotional breakdowns. After a crisis, it is necessary to conduct an event review and strengthen adaptive response methods.

5. Self management training

Emotional diary helps patients identify patterns of emotional changes and precursor signals, and take early adjustment measures. Relaxation training such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can alleviate acute anxiety attacks. Developing a regular daily life plan can enhance a sense of security and reduce behavior loss caused by feelings of emptiness. Art expression therapy provides patients with nonverbal channels for emotional release and promotes self-awareness. The rehabilitation of borderline personality disorder is a gradual process, and patients need to maintain professional psychological treatment at least once a week and use medication according to medical advice. It is recommended to establish a stable daily routine, avoid addictive substances such as alcohol, and cultivate creative hobbies such as painting or writing to release emotional stress in daily life. Family and friends should learn non judgmental listening skills and provide emotional support instead of preaching when patients experience emotional fluctuations. Regular participation in group therapy activities can help maintain treatment effectiveness and prevent symptoms from recurring. A balanced diet and moderate exercise have a positive effect on emotional regulation, and increasing the intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can be appropriate.