Schema therapy for emotional dysregulation in personality disorders: a review

Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2018 Jan;31(1):43-49. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000380.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To give an update on the most recent studies regarding the role of schema therapy in the treatment of emotion dysregulation related to personality disorders.

Recent findings: In personality disorders, a lack of emotion regulation can be found. Schema therapy treats emotion dysregulation with a series of techniques, such as imagery rescripting, limited reparenting, chairwork, and cognitive restructuring to remove dysregulatory mechanism.

Summary: Schema therapy is one of the most efficient therapies for personality disorders. However, there is a lack of recent studies on how it treats emotion dysregulation. Although the treatment of emotional dysregulation is not the core of schema therapy, it is certainly important inside this theoretical framework. The mode model helps clinicians address their work toward the reduction of dysfunctional modes, whereas fostering functional modes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Image*
  • Emotions*
  • Humans
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome