Sigmund Karterud, Espen Folmo, and Mickey Kongerslev present a four-minute film about their new comprehensive textbook on Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT):
In addition to being an evidence-based treatment for emotionally unstable personality disorder, MBT is also a therapeutic form that can serve as a universal key in the therapist's intervention repertoire, as well as a solid foundation for anyone who practices "Plain Old Therapy". MBT encompasses both group, individual, and environmental therapy, and the understanding framework behind the model is essential for those who want to prevent (such as teachers, preschool teachers, and parents), or those who work with different forms of insecure attachment (child welfare, special education teachers). The textbook covers an overall personality theory based on temperament, attachment, and mentalization (TAM model), which there has been a great need for. The book is also aimed at all practitioners of MBT in various places in Scandinavia. Åse-Line Baltzersen advocates for the importance of treating personality disorders in the film. The book is published by Gyldendal, and can be found here:
Below are some factors that have been linked to positive outcomes for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) patients. These are some examples of the various treatment approaches that have been shown to be effective for BPD patients:
1. A positive therapeutic alliance between the patient and therapist, which has been shown to be important for treatment engagement and improved outcomes (Folmo et al., 2020). A strong therapeutic alliance is essential for the patient's engagement and participation in therapy, and it has been linked to better treatment outcomes.
2. Early identification and intervention for BPD, as early treatment may prevent the development of more severe symptoms and improve long-term outcomes (Leichsenring et al., 2011). Early identification and intervention can help prevent the development of more severe symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.
3. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on teaching patients specific skills to help them manage their emotions and behavior (Linehan, 1993). DBT is an evidence-based treatment that has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of BPD, such as suicidal behavior, self-harm, and emotional regulation problems.
4. Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) which is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on helping patients understand and process their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way (Karterud et al., 2020). MBT is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on helping patients understand and process their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way, which is essential for improving emotional regulation and reducing symptoms of BPD.
5. Family-based interventions (FBT) which focuses on involving family members in therapy and addressing patterns of communication and interactions within the family system that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms (Soloff, 1990). Family-based interventions have been found to be effective in addressing patterns of communication and interactions within the family system that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms, and in involving family members in therapy.
6. Enhancing patients' understanding of core aspects of personality disorder through psychoeducation has also been linked to positive outcomes for BPD (Zanarini et al., 2018). Psychoeducation is an important aspect of treatment, as it helps patients understand the underlying causes of their symptoms and how to manage them effectively.
It is important to note that treatment for BPD is complex and multifaceted, and different factors may be more or less important for different individuals. The best treatment approach is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's unique needs and circumstances.
Our most recent book, published in Norwegian, concerns Mentalization-based treatment (MBT), a specific talking cure where the active ingredient (mentalizing) is boldly proposed as “the most fundamental common factor among psychotherapeutic treatment” (Allen et al., 2008, p. 1). Consequently, MBT is a good candidate for a universal therapy, and a craft any ambitious/aspiring clinician should carefully consider as part of their therapeutic repertoire.
References
Allen, J. G., Fonagy, P., & Bateman, A. W. (2008). Mentalizing in clinical practice. American Psychiatric Pub.
Folmo, E. J., Stanicke, E., Johansen, M. S., Pedersen, G., & Kvarstein, E. H. (2020). Development of therapeutic alliance in mentalization-based treatment-Goals, Bonds, and Tasks in a specialized treatment for borderline personality disorder. Psychother Res, 31(5), 604-618. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2020.1831097
Karterud, S., Folmo, E., & Kongerslev, M. (2020). Mentaliseringsbasert terapi MBT. Gyldendal Akademisk.
Leichsenring, F., Leibing, E., Kruse, J., New, A. S., & Leweke, F. (2011). Borderline personality disorder. Lancet, 377(9759), 74-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61422-5
Linehan, M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Soloff, P. H. (1990). Borderline disorders. In Handbook of Outpatient Treatment of Adults (pp. 309-332). Springer.
Zanarini, M. C., Conkey, L. C., Temes, C. M., & Fitzmaurice, G. M. (2018). Randomized Controlled Trial of Web-Based Psychoeducation for Women With Borderline Personality Disorder. J Clin Psychiatry, 79(3). https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.16m11153
