Mentalization Based Treatment - Introductory (MBT-I) Group for Male Prisoners With Borderline and/or Antisocial Personality Disorder

Mentalization Based Treatment - Introductory Group for Male Prisoners With Borderline and/or Antisocial Personality Disorder in Her Majesty's Prison Barlinnie

Established evidence base with MBT for treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and/or Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Demographic information of United Kingdom prison population highlights large proportion of offenders with PD. There is no agreed universal approach to treatment of PD within Scottish prisons with large variance across the prison estate. MBT pilots in HMP Edinburgh and HMP Cornton Vale have demonstrated positive findings in female offenders which could be replicated in male populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary diagnosis of BPD and/or ASPD
• Co-morbidity with other personality disorder is accepted
• Sentenced prisoners with estimated date of liberation > six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Co-morbid severe and enduring mental illness (schizophrenia, delusional disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder)
• Co-morbid organic brain disorder (acquired brain injury, alcohol related brain damage)
• Remand prisoners
• Uncontrolled substance dependence
• Index offence of sexual offending
• Repeatedly chaotic, antisocial or violent behaviour in prison
• Care in segregation and reintegration unit in past 3 months
• Current individual specialist psychological therapy in prison
• English as not first language