Treatments and Care

Borderline personality disorder is often mistakenly perceived as untreatable. This is false. With specific, sustained, and regular therapies, the majority of patients see their symptoms decrease considerably to the point of losing the diagnosis over the years.

Recommended Psychotherapies

Psychotherapy is the central pillar of treatment. Several approaches have scientifically proven their effectiveness for BPD.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Developed by Marsha Linehan (who lived with BPD herself), this is the gold standard approach. It combines behavioral and mindfulness teachings.

The 4 pillars of DBT

Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT)

Aims to help the patient better understand and "mentalize" their own mental states (thoughts, feelings) as well as those of others, in order to mitigate distortions in relationships.

Schema Therapy

Works on deep-seated core beliefs (abandonment, emotional deprivation...) formed in childhood. Blends cognitive, behavioral, and emotional approaches (e.g., reparenting).

The Pharmacological Approach

Antidepressants
Often prescribed to treat comorbidities (major depression, severe anxiety).
Mood Stabilizers
Can help mitigate sudden emotional fluctuations or impulsivity.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Sometimes used in low doses to manage paranoid thoughts, dissociation, or intense anger.

The Importance of the Support System

The support of loved ones is invaluable. However, families often feel helpless. This is why it is strongly recommended that loved ones:

  • Educate themselves (psychoeducation) about the disorder.
  • Learn to validate suffering while maintaining healthy boundaries.
  • Join support groups for relatives (family associations).
  • Protect their own mental health by seeking professional help if necessary.
Sources & References