Effectiveness of a Combined Group-individual Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder

Real-world Effectiveness of a Combined Group-individual Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: Schema therapy has been shown to be of benefit in treating borderline personality disorder. However, it is still unclear what the most suitable treatment implementation format is and to what extent therapeutic gains may be generalizable to regular healthcare settings with limited resources.

Methods: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted ona representative Spanish sample of outpatients with a DSM-5 main diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Patients were allocated either to a combined (group plus individual) schema therapy format (n=40) or to a group-only schema therapy format (n=40). Borderline personality disorder severity was the primary outcome, with other clinical variables considered as secondary outcomes (e.g., early maladaptive schemas, functioning). The assessment protocol included baseline, post-treatment (after 12months of treatment), and six-month follow-up evaluations. Data was analyzed through a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Limitations were a limited follow-up assessment and the absence of multi-center data that detracted from the long-term stability and generalizability of the findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-5 criteria for borderline personality disorder
• Aged 18 to 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotic disorders (except short, reactive psychotic episodes)
• Bipolar disorder (current hypo-manic or mixed episode)
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Substance intoxication
• Mental retardation