With personality disorders, building trust, understanding patterns and learning new responses to emotions and relationships can take time. Treatment is often a sustained partnership rather than a quick fix. That does not mean improvement is unlikely. Appropriate psychotherapy can make a meaningful difference. [1]

Care should fit the nature and severity of the person’s difficulties. Structured therapies, including dialectical behaviour therapy, can be appropriate for some people with borderline difficulties. Medication is not a general stand-alone treatment for the personality disorder itself, although it may be used for a coexisting condition after separate assessment. [2]

A good treatment plan has clear goals, a secure therapeutic relationship and room for setbacks as well as progress. A person may aim for fewer crises, better emotional regulation and more stable relationships. Change rarely arrives overnight, but small steps can gradually alter the direction of life. [3]

References

1. Zanarini MC, et al. Recovery from borderline personality disorder: 10-year follow-up. Am J Psychiatry. 2010.
2. NICE. Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management. CG78.
3. Storebø OJ, et al. Psychological therapies for people with borderline personality disorder. Cochrane. 2020.

This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Seek urgent assistance in an emergency.