Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (continued)
Hospitalization
Long-term care of the person suffering from borderline personality disorder within a hospital setting is nearly never appropriate. Partial hospitalization or a day treatment program is often all that's needed for people who suffer from borderline personality disorder. This allows the individual to gain support and structure from a safe environment for a short time, or during the day, and returning home in the evening. In times of increased stress or difficulty coping with specific situations, this type of treatment is more appropriate and more healthy for most people than full inpatient hospitalization.
Medications
Antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents may be appropriate during particular times in the patient's treatment. For example, if a client presents with severe suicidal ideation and intent, the clinician may want to seriously consider the prescription of an appropriate antidepressant medication to help combat the ideation. Medication of this type should be avoided for long-term use, though, since most anxiety and depression quickly come and go in the individual's life.
Self-help
Many support groups are devoted to help individuals with borderline personality disorder share their common experiences and feelings. These groups can give additional social support to the individual, which is very important in treating the disorder.
