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Therapeutic interventions in primary care, youth mental health settings for young people with Borderline Personality Disorder or borderline traits


 Background This study aimed to investigate what therapeutic interventions are currently being applied by clinicians working with young people who have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder or borderline traits. Given the current lack of evidence-based guidelines with this client population, investigating what is occurring currently is needed. The study also aimed to determine whether the interventions clinicians are using are effective in reducing distress and increasing functioning with these clients. Methods Participant data came from the national minimum data set for headspace youth mental health centres across Australia. Young people’s data were included in the study if the young person was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder or borderline traits during their first episode of care (N=701). Clinician data that indicated the sort of intervention used at each client session and outcome measures routinely captured were analysed to determine interventions used and outcomes achieved. Results Results demonstrated that CBT was the most frequently used modality of intervention followed by supportive counselling and IPT. There were no or only weak relationships between changes in outcomes and the amount of any type of intervention that was provided. No significant relationship was found with the amount of CBT a client received and changes in symptoms or functioning, despite being the most commonly employed modality. Conclusions The study highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines for early intervention in young people with borderline personality disorder.