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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
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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Gender differences in treatment effectiveness for borderline personality disorder.
Xinyu Qian1, Michelle L Townsend1, Brin F S Grenyer1
1School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Personality and Mental Health
|November 24, 2024
Summary
Current borderline personality disorder (BPD) treatments appear more effective for women than men. This study found women showed greater symptom reduction and satisfaction, highlighting a need for male-tailored BPD interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is equally prevalent in males and females.
- Empirical research on BPD treatments has predominantly focused on female participants.
- Existing treatment approaches may not be equally effective across genders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of current BPD treatments in men versus women.
- To investigate gender-based differences in treatment outcomes for BPD.
- To identify potential modifications for male-specific BPD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Matched cohort study comparing 48 males and 48 females with BPD.
- Data collected from a larger ongoing longitudinal study.
- Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) used to compare outcomes at 12-month follow-up, controlling for baseline scores.
Main Results:
- Females demonstrated significantly greater improvements in BPD severity.
- Females showed greater reduction in internalizing symptoms, including chronic emptiness.
- Females reported higher satisfaction and health ratings post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Current standard BPD treatments may be more efficacious for women than men.
- Further research is needed to understand male experiences in BPD treatment.
- Treatment modifications may be necessary to improve outcomes for males with BPD.
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