Treatments for borderline personality disorder: integrating evidence into practice

There has been a spate of new developments in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the past few years. Improved diagnostic methods and clarification of the nosological status have led to progress in recognition and management of this condition. In particular, uses of low dose neuroleptics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, partial hospitalization and cognitive behaviour therapy have helped to reduce the nihilism associated with treating these patients. The emphasis is now on providing integrated as well as targeted treatment packages The trends in treatment are reviewed with a stress on needs for more randomized controlled studies of effective pharmacologic agents as well as psychological treatments.