EMDR in the treatment of borderline personality disorder

Susan Brown, LCSW, BCD and Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. outline EMDR therapy as a treatment option for borderline personality disorder. Learn more in this case noting positive effects of EMDR for BPD.

Article Abstract

“Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) usually experience significant impairment in their ability to function. Impulsivity, affect instability, interpersonal difficulties, and identity problems are hallmark features of this disorder, frequently leading to suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors. Although BPD has traditionally been considered chronic and enduring, recent research has indicated that it can remit over time and that psychotherapy can accelerate this process. The etiology of BPD has been associated with childhood abuse and inadequate attachment. Given the significance of childhood abuse and trauma, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a recognized trauma therapy, may be a reasonable treatment option for BPD. The positive effects noted in the following case illustrate EMDR’s utility in the treatment of BPD and indicate that further controlled studies are warranted.”

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Brown, S., & Shapiro, F. (2006). EMDR in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Clinical Case Studies 5(5), 403-420. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1534650104271773

About the Journal

“The only journal devoted entirely to psychotherapy case studies, Clinical Case Studies presents innovative psychotherapy cases involving individual, couples, and family therapy.”

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