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An intensive outpatient program for patients with borderline personality disorder
G W Smith1, A Ruiz-Sancho, J G Gunderson
1Intensive Outpatient Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|March 29, 2001
Summary
Intensive outpatient programs offer enhanced community support for individuals with borderline personality disorder. This structured approach helps patients feel understood, fostering improved functioning outside of treatment settings.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health Services
Background:
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide structured community support.
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients often struggle in restrictive settings.
- Existing outpatient services may lack sufficient intensity for BPD needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the intensive outpatient program at McLean Hospital for BPD patients.
- To highlight how the program addresses BPD-specific challenges.
- To evaluate the program's impact on patient functioning.
Main Methods:
- Program description of a specialized IOP for BPD.
- Focus on frequent clinician and group patient contact.
- Emphasis on a group-oriented, supportive milieu.
Main Results:
- Patients with BPD felt adequately supported and understood within the IOP.
- The program appeared to mitigate control struggles and regressive behaviors.
- Patients demonstrated development of outpatient functional capacities.
Conclusions:
- Intensive outpatient programs can be effective for BPD.
- The McLean Hospital IOP model provides a "held" environment conducive to BPD recovery.
- This approach supports enhanced community functioning for individuals with BPD.