Outcomes of Mentalization-Based Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Symptom, Alexithymia and Self-image Outcomes of Mentalization-Based Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder: a Naturalistic Study

The effects of a psychological treatment, Mentalization-Based Treatment, was studied using a research protocol with patients with mood swings and impulsive behavior (borderline personality disorder).

Background: Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) in borderline personality disorder (BPD) has a growing evidence base, but there is a lack of effectiveness and moderator studies. The present study examined the effectiveness of MBT in a naturalistic setting and explored psychiatric and psychological moderators of outcome. Method: Borderline and general psychiatric symptoms, suicidality, self-harm, alexithymia and self-image were measured in a group of BPD patients (n=75) receiving MBT; assessments were made at baseline, and subsequently after 6, 12 and 18 months (when treatment ended). Borderline symptoms were the primary outcome variable.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To be included, BPD diagnosis was confirmed by SCID-II interview and the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder (ZAN-BPD) interview, together with a consensus discussion between MBT therapists using DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. All patients referred between 2007-02-01 and 2012-05-30 were eligible for inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria were: IQ<85, psychotic disorder other than schizotypal personality disorder, acute/temporary psychosis, previously diagnosed autism-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder type I and severe eating or substance use disorder.