Effects of intensive trauma-focused treatment of individuals with both post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Issue 2 (19th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kolthof, K. A.; Voorendonk, E. M.; Van Minnen, A.; De Jongh, A.
• Is Part Of: European journal of psychotraumatology. Volume 13:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-19
• Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- borderline personality disorder -- intensive trauma-focused treatment -- treatment outcome -- diagnostic status; Trastorno de estrés postraumático -- trastorno límite de la personalidad -- tratamiento intensivo centrado en el trauma -- resultado del tratamiento -- estado de diagnóstico; 创伤后应激障碍 -- 边缘性人格障碍 -- 聚焦创伤的强化治疗 -- 治疗结果 -- 诊断状态; Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2143076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-8198

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Research indicates that intensive trauma-focused therapy can be effective in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, these studies have relied on self-report of BPD symptoms and follow-up data are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this feasibility study was to determine the effects of an intensive trauma-focused treatment programme on the severity of PTSD and BPD symptoms and the diagnostic status up to a 12-month follow-up. Methods: A total of 45 (60% female) individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria of both PTSD and BPD participated in an intensive eight-day trauma-focused treatment programme which combined prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy in an inpatient treatment setting. Severity of PTSD and BPD symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment (CAPS-5, BPDSI-IV). Diagnostic status was determined using clinical interviews (CAPS-5 and SCID-5-P) at pre-treatment and 12-month follow-up. Results: Of all participants, 93.3% had been exposed to physical abuse, and 71.1% to sexual abuse prior to the age of 12 years. PTSD and BPD symptom severity significantly decreased from pre- to post-treatment (Cohen's ds : 1.58 and 0.98, respectively), and these results were maintained at 6- ( ds : 1.20 and 1.01) and 12-month follow-up ( ds : 1.53 and 1.36). Based upon CAPS-5, 69.2% no longer met the diagnostic criteria of PTSD at 12-month follow-up, while according to the SCID-5-P 73.1% no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of BPD at that time. No significant worsening of symptoms occurred. Conclusion: The findings of this study, which is the first to examine the effects of psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD on the presence of a borderline personality disorder one year after treatment, add support to the notion that a brief intensive trauma-focused treatment can be a valuable option for individuals suffering from both PTSD and BPD. HIGHLIGHTS: Investigated the effects of trauma-focused treatment on BPD. First study that evaluated the status of BPD diagnosis one year after treatment. Trauma-focused treatment proved to be a feasible and safe treatment for patients diagnosed with both PTSD and BPD.