Citation

Brown S, Shapiro F. Clin. Case Stud. 2006; 5(5): 403-420.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1534650104271773

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) usually experience significant impairment in their ability to function. Impulsivity, affect instability, interpersonal difficulties, and identity problems are hallmark features of this disorder, frequently leading to suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors. Although BPD has traditionally been considered chronic and enduring, recent research has indicated that it can remit over time and that psychotherapy can accelerate this process. The etiology of BPD has been associated with childhood abuse and inadequate attachment. Given the significance of childhood abuse and trauma, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a recognized trauma therapy, may be a reasonable treatment option for BPD. The positive effects noted in the following case illustrate EMDR's utility in the treatment of BPD and indicate that further controlled studies are warranted. © 2006 Sage Publications.

Language: en

Keywords

Trauma; human; Attachment; child abuse; psychotherapy; suicide attempt; Borderline personality disorder; article; behavior therapy; impulsiveness; psychotrauma; borderline state; anamnesis; patient assessment; EMDR; IASC