DBT in Borderline Personality Disorder

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Subjects will receive a 6-month course of DBT, consisting of one 90-minute group and one 60-minute individual session per week as well as telephone availability of the individual therapist.

Inclusion Criteria: Is a male or female between 18 and 60 who meets criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder and has had at least 2 prior instances of suicidal or parasuicidal behavior. Either is off psychotropic drugs or is on a stable medication regimen. (During the study, psychotropic medications will be prescribed by a psychiatrist in the Mood and Personality Disorders Group.)

Exclusion Criteria: Meets criteria for Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Retardation or current or recent Substance Dependence. Subjects also should not currently be in individual psychotherapy. (Case management and work therapy programs are allowed.)