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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
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Maturation in patients with borderline personality disorder
Johanna Levallius1, Göran Rydén1, Claes Norring1
1Center for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden.
Psychiatry Research
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Psychotherapy improved personality traits and reduced suicidality in patients with borderline personality disorder. Key personality aspects normalized, showing positive development and decreased suicidal ideation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by significant psychopathology and extreme personality traits.
- Understanding personality change is crucial for effective BPD treatment and managing associated risks like suicidality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate personality changes in patients with BPD after psychotherapy.
- To examine the relationship between personality development and changes in suicidality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) to assess personality.
- Employed the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SUAS) to measure suicidality.
- Longitudinal assessment of 21 BPD patients before and after psychotherapy.
Main Results:
- Significant normalization of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness facets observed post-treatment.
- Specific lower-order facets including Depression, Impulsiveness, Competence, Achievement Striving, Self-Discipline, and Deliberation showed improvement.
- Thirteen patients demonstrated positive personality development concurrent with reduced suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Psychotherapy can lead to significant positive personality changes in individuals with BPD.
- Observed personality normalization correlates with a decrease in suicidality.
- These findings highlight the potential of psychotherapy in addressing core BPD features and associated risks.
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