Is paradoxical intention risk-free?: a review and case report

Paradoxical interventions are used in treating a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. Although published reports create the impression of almost uniform success, a survey of the literature reveals that most studies lack appropriate controls, rely solely on patients' self-reports, and are complicated by ancillary treatment. To further demonstrate that the treatment may not be as risk-free as the literature implies, the adverse effects produced in a patient with borderline personality disorder are described.