Borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Treatment of BPD is complex and at times extremely challenging. A combination of psychotherapy and symptom-based pharmacotherapy is the most effective and comprehensive treatment for patients. Pharmacotherapy has been used to treat symptoms of affective dysregulation, impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol, and cognitive-perceptual disturbances. Treatment options include SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, typical and atypical antipsychotics, BZDs, opiate antagonists, and omega-3 fatty acids. SSRIs are first-line treatment for symptoms of affective dysregulation and impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol. Second- or third-line therapies are TCAs and MAOIs. Antipsychotics are first-line treatment for cognitive-perceptual disturbances. Most patients will require multiple medications, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics to treat their variety of symptoms. Copyright © 2000-2008 Jobson Medical Information LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.