Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide

Covering the range of clinical presentations, treatments, and levels of care, Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide, Second Edition, provides a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). The second edition includes new research about BPD s relationship to other disorders and up-to-date descriptions of empirically validated treatments, including cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches. Compelling new research also indicates a much better prognosis for BPD than previously known.

A pioneer in the field, author John Gunderson, M.D., director of the Borderline Personality Disorder Center at McLean Hospital, draws from nearly 40 years of his own research and experience. This background is now complemented by the added clinical and research experience of Paul Links, M.D. The guide begins with a clear and specific definition of BPD and provides an in-depth description of multiple modalities of treatment, including pharmacotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Gunderson outlines therapeutic approaches for multiple settings, such as hospitalization, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient care. Complementing the well-organized treatment guide are a series of informative sidebars, recommending specific do s and don ts for disclosing the diagnosis, discussing medications, meeting with families, and managing suicidality.

A synthesis of theory and practical examples, Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide, Second Edition, provides a thorough and practical manual for any clinician working with BPD patients.

John G. Gunderson, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of Psychosocial and Personality Research and Chief of Ambulatory Personality Disorder Services at McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts. He has worked in the diagnostic and treatment of borderline patients since 1969, including carrying out important studies helping to define the diagnosis and differentiate it from other disorders. He continues to work in advancing effective treatments today.