A Cognitive Group Treatment for Borderline Outpatients
A Cognitive Group Treatment for Borderline Outpatients
This study will expose patients to either a Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) or treatment as usual (TAU) to determine the more effective therapy for treating borderline personality disorder.
Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) or treatment as usual (TAU) for 20 weeks. STEPPS is a new cognitive behavioral treatment which involves skills training for emotion management and lifestyle behaviors as well as education for the affected individual's family members, friends, and professional caregivers. Participants are assessed at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. Interviews of patient's health care providers and family members and self-rating scales are used to assess patients. Follow-up assessments are made 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after study completion. Participants must live within a reasonable driving distance of Iowa City, IA.
Inclusion Criteria: