Comparative Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder

Within the field of clinical psychology, the term borderline personality disorder was developed to fulfill a diagnostic need and has come to possess specific stereotypes and negative meanings. Because the term borderline is an emotionally charged word, it can lead to a less-than-accurate view of the situation or patient being described, thus presenting a challenge to even the most experienced therapists and becoming one of the most complex disorders to treat.

Through the use of one case study, however, experts in borderline personality disorders have put this difficulty at ease. Applying a variety of modalities to identify treatment goals, including: selecting assessment tools, conceptualizing progression, pinpointing pitfalls, and developing techniques, diagnosing and treating BPD has created a more successful therapeutic result.

Arthur Freeman (EdD, ABPP), is visiting professor in the Department of Psychology at Governors State University, University Park, IL, a clinical professor in the Department of Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Director of Training at Sharidan Shores Care and Rehabilitation Center in Chicago. He is a Distinguished Founding Fellow at the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Freeman has published widely in CBT and has lectured internationally.

Mark H. Stone, PsyD, is a member of the Doctoral Care Faculty and a Distinguished Service Professor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Donna M. Martin, PsyD, is an instructor and director of the academic support program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.