Behavioral activation and the prevention of suicidal behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder

J Pers Disord. 2003 Oct;17(5):460-78. doi: 10.1521/pedi.17.5.460.22970.

Abstract

Clinical approaches in treating and preventing suicidal behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have received limited attention. To stimulate further work in this area, we present a behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD; Lejuez, Hopko, & Hopko, 2002) that has shown promising results in treating clinically depressed patients and a theoretical conceptualization for why BATD may prove particularly useful in reducing the frequency of suicide-related behaviors and other symptoms characteristic of patients with BPD. We also present theoretical consistencies between BATD and the well-established intervention of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT; Linehan, 1993), which may allow for their practical integration, and conclude with a case study that illustrates the assimilation of these strategies in the treatment of a patient with BPD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / therapy*
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy, Brief*
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States