Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition marked by behaviors that include self harm, social isolation, failed relationships, suicidal thoughts and emotional instability. Borderline personality disorder treatment options are available for those that may have difficulty regulating emotions or maintaining relationships. The most efficacious treatment is a therapy called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1970’s by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington. This treatment program involves several target areas that help to target the same problem areas for most people that have borderline personality disorder. Many people that have borderline personality disorder have other co-occurring challenges that may also need treatment. This could include substance abuse, drug addiction, prescription medication misuse, etc. Because of the severity of the mental health condition and the issues surrounding it, residential treatment can be a great option to help gain control over the environment and learn the right skills to live independently and safely.
In order for treatment to effectively help those with borderline personality disorder; the treatment therapies must involve three things:
- Adequate Support
- Cognitive Skills
- High Level Collaboration
The skills that are taught in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focus on these areas by teaching skills surrounding psychosocial situations. There are four primary modules taught in DBT: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation. Each of these modules focus on an area of concern that is typical for those effected by borderline personality disorder. They also can be valuable to those affected by substance abuse. Since the likelihood of the two occurring at the same time is very high, DBT is a very successful treatment.
Treatment for borderline personality disorder is usually conducted in a residential treatment center. Since substance abuse is a common problem, on the of the first steps in treatment is to focus on the medical attention needed for each client. Ensuring an environment with sober living and balancing healthy living can also set the stage for learning at growth. When substance abuse is occurring, other aspects of health are neglected like: hygiene, diet, exercise and social life. By pulling the focus away from substances and on to more positive and healthy living, the clients can begin to learn the skills necessary to have a happy and healthy life.
Borderline personality disorder treatment options leave a lot of room for growth and personalization. Not every one fits into a “classic” stereotype for the disorder. A history involving traumatic events, negative family situations and their own behavioral genetics can also impact how treatment works for each client. It’s important to remember that while symptoms may be common throughout the disorder, each person may have their own variety of challenges. The level of education and communications skills for each client may also differ, depending on activities in early adolescence. Most clients that are treated at New Roads Behavioral Health are young adults (18-29). It is about this time in early adulthood that our brains begin to fully develop and that is when most cases of borderline personality disorder are officially diagnosed.
Along with residential treatment, individual therapy and especially group therapy are important to incorporate. The level of involvement in treatment is especially important to help maintain a constant support to each client as they are becoming familiar with the way they handle stress and process each phase of treatment. Once a client works through this phase, transitional treatment is another great step towards independence. Without throwing clients back into the world, transitional treatment offers gradual exposure to real life situations with the guidance of the support system that was established in treatment. With this guidance, clients have a higher success rate of staying sober after treatment. Ongoing outpatient programs are also a vital aspect of every day life after residential and transitional treatment. These programs are important to help as unexpected situations arise, stress or big life events. With the support of these treatments, living with borderline personality disorder can be very possible. Many have successful careers, families and long happy lives after treating their borderline personality disorder.
There are a variety of treatment options for those with borderline personality disorder. By learning the skills through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through residential, transitional and outpatient treatment programs; living happily with borderline personality disorder is completely possible. With the expertly trained staff at New Roads Behavioral Health, even the most severe cases of borderline personality disorder can find the right treatment program to help them recover. If you or some on you know would like to talk to our expert staff about treatment options, please call us at 888-358-8998.
Sources:
http://psychcentral.com/lib/an-overview-of-dialectical-behavior-therapy/2/