Palliative Care for Terminally Ill Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2019 Sep 1;57(9):24-31. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20190531-01. Epub 2019 Jun 12.

Abstract

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) exhibit persistent patterns of instability in mood, impulse control, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. These issues complicate quality end-of-life care for this population and are of particular concern for hospice and palliative care nurses and health care providers. This article presents case studies of terminally ill individuals with BPD as a series of vignettes that present common clinical issues encountered by the palliative care team. Interventions suggested in the literature as well as approaches used by team members when working with terminally ill individuals with BPD are discussed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(9), 24-31.].

MeSH terms

  • Borderline Personality Disorder / nursing*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / therapy
  • Female
  • Hospice Care / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care / psychology*
  • Psychiatric Nursing*
  • Terminally Ill / psychology*