Evidence-Based Care of the Patient with Borderline Personality Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Nursing

Background:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex, serious, and costly psychiatric disorder.
• High prevalence of BPD with co-occurring conditions (depression, eating disorders, substance-use disorders) leads to significant resource utilization in primary care and mental health settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance nurses' understanding of the underpinnings of BPD.
• To outline multimodal treatment approaches for BPD.
• To guide nurses in assessing immediate patient needs and managing emotional distress and impulsivity.

Main Methods:

• This article synthesizes current research and clinical best practices.
• Focuses on nursing interventions for BPD management.
• Emphasizes assessment and distress management strategies.

Main Results:

• Nurses play a crucial role in the effective management of BPD.
• Multimodal approaches are essential for addressing the complexity of BPD.
• Improved nursing understanding can lead to better patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Despite treatment challenges, a positive outlook for BPD treatment is warranted.
• Nurses can significantly impact the care of patients with BPD through enhanced knowledge and skills.
• Targeted nursing interventions can improve the management of emotional dysregulation and impulsivity in BPD.