Objectifs À l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle, notre compréhension des problématiques de santé mentale dépend notamment de notre capacité à générer et à analyser de grands ensembles de données. Dans cette perspective, l’Axe valorisation des données existantes de l’Alliance en santé mentale du Québec (ASMQ), créé en 2024, vise à constituer un vaste répertoire de données et de métadonnées ouvertes en santé mentale au Québec. L’objectif de ce Répertoire est de faciliter l’indexation et la découvrabilité des données et des métadonnées, et plus particulièrement, celles issues des 3 principaux centres de recherche en santé mentale du Fonds de recherche du Québec : le Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (CR-IUSMM), le Centre de recherche CERVO et le Centre de recherche Douglas. Méthode Afin de constituer le Répertoire de l’Alliance, des chercheurs et des cliniciens des établissements affiliés à l’ASMQ ont été sollicités pour renseigner et indexer les données disponibles dans leurs laboratoires. Neuf banques de données ont été répertoriées, et certaines sont accessibles via 3 plateformes de partage en ligne complémentaires (c.-à-d., Neurobagel, Maelstrom et the Atlas of Longitudinal Datasets). Nous présentons ici une description des données disponibles dans ce Répertoire. Résultats Jusqu’à présent, les données et métadonnées de 11 570 participants à travers 8 biobanques et jeux de données ont été partagées en ligne via le Répertoire de l’Alliance (26 % psychoses et schizophrénie, 21 % trouble de la personnalité, 19 % trouble de l’humeur, 12 % usage de substances, 10 % trouble bipolaire, 9 % trouble de l’anxiété). Les métadonnées des biobanques incluent des données démographiques (p. ex. âge, sexe, genre, niveau de scolarité), médicales (p. ex. diagnostics psychiatriques et physiques, prise de médicaments), psychosociales (p. ex. fonctionnement social, qualité de vie, symptômes dépressifs et anxieux), anthropométriques (p. ex. taille, poids), métaboliques (p. ex. cortisol), comportementales (p. ex. sommeil, consommation de produits non alimentaires), cognitives (p. ex. résultats à des tests neurophysiologiques) et d’imagerie par résonance magnétique. De plus, cet article présente des informations générales sur la gouvernance ainsi que sur les procédures d’accès et de contribution de nouvelles données au Répertoire. Impact Le Répertoire de l’Alliance en santé mentale du Québec vise à accroître la visibilité et l’accessibilité des données en santé mentale. Il permettra de faire connaître, de partager et de diffuser les données et les métadonnées propres au contexte québécois. Le Répertoire vise également à faciliter l’harmonisation des procédures d’accès et des protocoles expérimentaux. En soutenant le déploiement de la science ouverte au Québec, ce Répertoire pourra favoriser des percées scientifiques fondées sur l’analyse de vastes ensembles de données. À terme, cette initiative pourrait être étendue à d’autres établissements de santé du Québec.
Reliable assessment of daily functioning is essential for guiding rehabilitation in individuals with borderline personality disorder. The 38-item Functional Assessment for Borderline Personality disorder (FAB2) addresses an important gap by simultaneously evaluating the mode of functioning and perceived difficulty. This study examined the FAB2's properties in a sample of 87 BPD patients and 50 control subjects. The questionnaire showed excellent reliability and robust convergent validity via high correlations with the WHODAS and EMMBEP. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical structure, establishing the FAB2 as a valid and robust measure for assessing daily functioning in BPD across clinical and research settings.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) often face significant challenges in treatment due to the severity and complexity of their symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD) is a phase-based, multicomponent psychotherapy developed to address the needs of this population. While its efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials, little is known about how patients and clinicians experience this treatment. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of six patients and five clinicians involved in DBT-PTSD at a university-affiliated mental health institute. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus groups at multiple time points and were analyzed inductively using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Five themes were generated, including trauma-focused exposure as a main mechanism of change, the role of the therapeutic alliance in supporting engagement and treatment outcomes, the demanding nature of trauma-focused exposure, the tension between fidelity and flexibility within the protocol, and the influence of individual resources on patients’ experiences with at-home assignments. This is the first study to qualitatively examine DBT-PTSD, providing insights into its perceived relevance, challenges, and potential impact. These findings may contribute to clinical training, guide adaptations of the protocol, and contribute to refining trauma interventions for individuals with BPD and C-PTSD. This trial was retrospectively registered on 14 August 2025, ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT07123974
OBJECTIVE:In the age of social media, public perception of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is shaped as much by clinical settings as by online comments. This study aimed to explore how internet users react to TikTok videos about BPD. The primary objective was to identify emerging themes in the comments and to better understand social perceptions of BPD in the digital space. METHOD:A qualitative study was conducted, based on the systematic collection of 25,197 comments from 141 public TikTok videos about BPD. A representative sample of comments was extracted and subjected to thematic analysis using a categorical iteration method. Themes and sub-themes were identified inductively, based on rigorous coding and cross-validation among evaluators. RESULTS:The results reveal a strong concern among internet users regarding diagnostic confusion between BPD and other psychiatric disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. The issue of self-diagnosis and self-treatment is frequently addressed, reflecting a need for identity appropriation and mistrust of professional diagnoses. The impact of BPD on interpersonal relationships is widely discussed, ranging from relationship tensions to coping strategies. The ambivalent role of social media is highlighted, both as a source of support and a vehicle for misinformation. Finally, internet users report experiences of social isolation, stigmatisation and fear of being labelled, emphasising the importance of emotional support in the recovery process. CONCLUSIONS:TikTok is becoming a space for building mental health identities for people living with BPD. Our findings call for the development of digital education initiatives and targeted interventions to counter stigma and support care pathways in the digital environment.
Workplace violence and hetero-aggressive behavior represent significant occupational hazards in mental health settings, particularly for psychiatry and psychology trainees who are frequently exposed yet often insufficiently prepared. This scoping review aimed to map and critically describe existing educational approaches to violence risk assessment, prevention, and management in mental health training programs, with a focus on psychiatry and psychology education. A scoping review identified 17 eligible studies examining curricular content, pedagogical modalities, and training outcomes related to violence education. Included studies encompassed surveys, curricular descriptions, and educational interventions employing didactic, simulation-based, and blended learning formats. Overall, the literature revealed variability and fragmentation in training, with most programs lacking structured or longitudinal curricula. Didactic approaches improved conceptual understanding but were consistently perceived as insufficient for skill acquisition and confidence. In contrast, blended and simulation-based modalities, particularly those using standardized patients and structured debriefing, were associated with greater gains in applied skills, confidence, and perceived clinical readiness. Core competencies emphasized across curricula included de-escalation strategies, violence risk assessment frameworks, communication skills, and, less consistently, legal and institutional considerations. These findings highlight persistent educational gaps and support the integration of experiential, longitudinal, and system-informed training models to better prepare mental health trainees for violence-related clinical challenges.
We describe the trajectory of a 24-year-old woman with a history of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex trauma who presented with significant dissociative episodes. The initial assessment-including a psychiatric interview, the use of standardized measures (PCL-5, CAPS-5), and collateral information gathering-identified complex post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with dissociative identity disorder (DIID) and incomplete diagnostic criteria for BPD. Treatment consisted of an integrated psychiatric and psychotherapeutic approach based on the DBT-PTSD model. After just over one year of follow-up and 45 therapy sessions, the patient was in clinical remission from PTSD, while dissociative episodes attributable to DID persisted at a lower intensity. This case illustrates that response to DBT-PTSD may be favorable in patients with comorbid DID. The one-year follow-up highlights the persistence of dissociative episodes alongside sustained clinical remission of PTSD. The patient also shares her perspective on her therapeutic experience. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of the results of DBT-PTSD on a person with both complex PTSD and DID, at one year of follow-up after finishing therapy.
BackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently encountered in emergency departments. Acute emotional crises, suicidal behaviors, and severe interpersonal distress often precipitate care. Despite the high clinical burden and elevated suicide risk associated with this disorder, guidance for emergency decision-making remains fragmented and sometimes contradictory.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to identify key elements informing emergency psychiatric assessment, disposition decisions, and acute management strategies for adults diagnosed with BPD. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, four electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1st, 2000, and December 31st, 2025, examining evaluation, orientation, or management of adults with BPD in emergency settings. Eligible studies were screened independently, and data were charted and synthesized thematically.ResultsTwelve studies met inclusion criteria. Three interrelated domains emerged: structured suicide risk assessment contextualized within chronic vulnerability; preference for brief, goal-directed crisis hospitalization over prolonged inpatient admission; and cautious, symptom-targeted pharmacological use limited primarily to short-term management of acute agitation. Evidence consistently highlighted a paradox in which individuals with BPD often present with severe distress but are admitted less frequently than other psychiatric populations. Emerging clinical pathways emphasize voluntary short stays, rapid follow-up, and linkage to outpatient services to reduce recurrent emergency presentations and iatrogenic harm. Overall, pharmacotherapy plays an adjunctive rather than a central role in emergency care.ConclusionsEmergency encounters with individuals living with BPD represent critical inflection points in trajectories often marked by recurrent crises and suicide risk. Current evidence supports structured, formulation-based assessment, time-limited crisis stabilization, and integration with outpatient services, while underscoring significant gaps in high-quality research. Strengthening system-level pathways may enhance safety, continuity, and therapeutic engagement in this high-risk population.
Introduction: As the second most visited website globally, YouTube offers a major opportunity for disseminating mental health knowledge and reducing stigma around psychotherapy. However, visibility remains a key challenge, particularly in the long-term because YouTube algorithm favors novelty over relevance. This novelty effect may discourage scientifically trained psychotherapists from publishing high-quality content due to its limited lifespan. Yet, videos created by clinicians can be directly recommended during in-person therapy or professional exchanges, potentially bypassing algorithmic limitations and maintaining long-term visibility. This study investigated whether such videos maintain long-term viewership and explored the factors influencing their engagement. Methods: We analyzed viewership data automatically collected by YouTube for 51 videos posted between 2018 and 2022 on the GREMO HUS channel. All videos were developed by academic psychotherapists, grounded in evidence-based practices and organized into three playlists: "Meditation & Relaxation," "DBT Skills," "Compassion Focused Therapy." Results: Average monthly channel views increased significantly from 365.3 in 2019-2020 to 1,669.5 in 2021-2022 (p < 0.001), alongside a rise in average viewer retention from 24.7 to 33.9% (p < 0.001). At the video level, monthly views increased both with time since publication (p < 0.001) and by calendar year (from 3.8 views per month in 2019 to 45.9 per month in 2022; p < 0.001). Video length was positively associated with views for meditative videos, but negatively for "DBT skills" videos. Viewer retention improved with the inclusion of role-play scenes but not by speech rate, except for "Meditation and Relaxation." User comments frequently mentioned the videos' utility in face-to-face psychotherapy and professional training. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that evidence-based videos can overcome the novelty effect commonly associated with YouTube when embedded in real-life therapeutic practices. This suggests a hybrid dissemination model-leveraging both digital platforms and offline clinical networks-may effectively bypass algorithmic limitations. Future research should investigate the generalizability of these findings to other healthcare domains and platforms, and further explore the mechanisms through which professional recommendation influences digital engagement.
Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common comorbidity among individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), affecting over 85% of patients and leading to high recurrence rates and resistance to treatment. Traditional pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions often show limited efficacy in this population, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of both MDD and BPD. In addition, non-invasive brain stimulation, particularly transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), has shown promising results in alleviating depression and improving BPD symptoms when targeting the DLPFC. The development of home-based tDCS presents new opportunities for accessible and cost-effective interventions. However, no study has specifically investigated its effects on MDD in the context of BPD.Methods and analysis This double-blind randomised controlled trial will assess the feasibility and explore the efficacy of home-based tDCS in reducing depressive symptoms in BPD patients who are experiencing moderate to severe depressive episodes. A total of 60 participants will be randomised, following a 2-week online psychoeducation, to receive either active or sham tDCS in 14 sessions over 1 week. The primary outcome is the feasibility of home-based tDCS in remote and urban areas. The secondary aim is to obtain a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of 14 home-based tDCS sessions in reducing depressive symptoms in BPD patients with moderate to severe depressive episodes and BPD symptoms. Exploratory analyses will evaluate the impact of tDCS on neuropsychological functioning, physical activity and substance use. Sociodemographic variables will be considered in predicting treatment response. All assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment and during follow-ups through 3 months after treatment ends.Ethics and dissemination This study has received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-EMTL) (approval number: MP-12-2025-4050). All participants will provide informed consent prior to inclusion. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and knowledge translation activities targeting clinicians, researchers and mental health stakeholders.Trial registration number NCT06972368.
Nous décrivons la trajectoire d’une femme de 24 ans connue pour un trouble de la personnalité limite (TPL) et une histoire traumatique complexe, qui présente des crises dissociatives importantes. L’évaluation initiale comprenant un entretien psychiatrique, l’utilisation d’échelles (PCL-5, CAPS-5) et la récolte d’informations collatérales permet d’identifier un Trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT) complexe comorbide ainsi qu’un trouble dissociatif de l’identité (TDI) et un TPL ne rencontrant plus les pleins critères diagnostiques. Le traitement consiste en une approche psychiatrique et psychothérapeutique intégrée selon le modèle TCD-TSPT. Après un suivi d’un peu plus d’un an et 45 séances de thérapie, la patiente est considérée en rémission clinique du TSPT, alors que les symptômes dissociatifs attribuables au TDI persistent, mais sont d’intensité moindre. Ce cas illustre que la réponse à la TCD-TSPT peut être favorable chez les patients ayant un TDI comorbide. Le suivi à un an post-thérapie met en lumière une persistance des crises dissociatives et un maintien de la rémission clinique du TSPT. La patiente partage sa perspective par rapport à son expérience en thérapie. Il s’agit à notre connaissance du premier cas rapporté des résultats à un an post-thérapie d’un traitement par l’approche TCD-TSPT chez une personne avec la comorbidité TSPT complexe et TDI.
IntroductionMentalization-based therapy (MBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are effective treatments for cluster B personality disorders (PDs), but few studies have assessed their real-world clinical outcomes in routine practice outside a controlled trial setting.MethodsOur descriptive naturalistic retrospective study evaluated 288 patients with cluster B PDs who predominantly had borderline PD referred to MBT or DBT.ResultsObserved changes in emergency department (ED) use and hospitalizations one year before and during the first year of therapy were described for patients with at least one relevant event, along with dropout rates. ED visit analyses concerned 104 patients, and hospitalization analyses concerned 30 patients. Across both treatment modalities, ED visits decreased from 119 in the year prior to treatment to 37 during the first year of treatment (p < .001 for both). Hospitalizations were observed to decrease for patients in MBT (p < .05), while no clear change was seen in the DBT group (p = .595). Drop-out rates during treatment were around 30% in both modalities.DiscussionThese patterns descriptively suggest that both therapies are associated with reduced service use during treatment in clinical practice. Future research should investigate which patient- and system-level characteristics can guide patients and clinicians toward the most suitable treatment for everyone, and whether these observed patterns persist beyond the treatment period.
Objectives In the era of artificial intelligence, our understanding of mental health challenges depends heavily on our ability to generate and analyze large-scale datasets. Accordingly, the Data Valorization Axis of the Québec Mental Health Alliance (ASMQ) was established in 2024 to create a comprehensive repository of open mental health data and metadata in Québec. This initiative's mandate is to facilitate the indexing and discoverability of data and metadata collected in Québec, notably at the 3 main mental-health research centers of the Fonds de recherche du Québec: the Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (CR-IUSMM), the Centre de recherche CERVO and the Centre de recherche Douglas. Methods To build the Alliance repository, researchers and clinicians at ASMQ affiliated institutions were directly invited to index the datasets available in their laboratories. Nine databases were identified, and some are currently accessible via online-sharing platforms: Neurobagel, Maelstrom, and the Atlas of Longitudinal Datasets. Here, we present a description of the data contained in the various databases. Results To date, the data and metadata of 11,570 participants (26% psychosis and schizophrenia, 21% personality disorder, 19% mood disorder, 12% substance use, 10% bipolar disorder, 9% anxiety disorder) across 8 biobanks and datasets have been shared online through the Alliance repository. The biobank metadata includes various demographic (e.g. age, sex, gender, level of education), medical (e.g. psychiatric and physical diagnoses, medication use), psychosocial (e.g. social functioning, quality of life, depressive symptoms), anthropometric (e.g. height, weight), metabolic, behavioral (e.g. sleep, consumption of non-food products), cognitive (e.g. performance on neurophysiological tests), and medical-imaging data. Additionally, general information on governance and procedures for accessing and contributing new data to the repository is provided. Impact The Québec Mental Health Alliance repository enhances the visibility and accessibility of mental-health data in Québec, facilitating the sharing and dissemination of domain-specific data and metadata. The repository also aims to facilitate the harmonization of access procedures and experimental protocols. By advancing open science in Québec, the Alliance repository can catalyze scientific breakthroughs that rely on the analysis of large-scale datasets. This initiative could eventually be extended to other health institutions across Québec.
BackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is linked to a shorter life expectancy and poorer psychosocial functioning than seen in the general population, with outcomes comparable to those seen in schizophrenia. This is partly explained by the high prevalence of chronic physical illnesses.MethodsThis study aimed to compare rates of multimorbidity and chronic illnesses in individuals with BPD, schizophrenia, and healthy controls, and to examine behavioral risk factors, such as impulsivity, sleep disturbances, and substance use, that may underlie physical health outcomes. We analyzed data from 590 adults enrolled in the Signature database, including validated health and behavioral measures.ResultsParticipants with BPD showed the highest rates of multimorbidity (49.4%) and were over four times more likely to report chronic illnesses than controls. Key risk factors associated with increased chronic disease burden included longer sleep latency, higher impulsivity, and smoking, while being a non-smoker was protective.ConclusionThese findings indicate that physical comorbidities and multimorbidity are at least as prevalent in individuals with BPD as in those with schizophrenia, with age and impulsivity emerging as key contributing factors. While the results underscore the potential value of integrating lifestyle medicine into clinical care, particularly by targeting sleep and substance use, further research is needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying the interplay between BPD and multimorbidity.
Introduction Insomnia is highly prevalent among individuals with Group B personality disorders (GBPD). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most recommended treatment for chronic insomnia; however, no study has examined this approach in patients with GBPD. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a CBT-I program for this patient population, focusing on acceptability, gathering preliminary measures of effectiveness, and collecting participant experiences to enhance treatment. Method This pilot study employs a mixed methods design without a control group. Twenty-two adult participants diagnosed with GBPD and experiencing insomnia were recruited from a specialized program for personality disorders. The four-session CBT-I program was specifically designed for patients with GBPD to enhance treatment retention and therapeutic response. Quantitative measures included recruitment and retention rates and self-administered questionnaires assessing insomnia and comorbidities, collected before, during and three months after treatment. Per protocol and intention-to-treat analyses were conducted on data from these questionnaires. Qualitative data were gathered through group discussions and semi-structured interviews, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Twenty-two participants were recruited, with an initial goal of 24. The treatment retention rate was 45%. Among the eight participants who completed the study as intended, a significant reduction in insomnia (-9 points on the ISI), depression (-6 points on the PHQ-9), and anxiety (-3.6 on the GAD-7) was observed from the time of inclusion to three months post-therapy. In discussions about the collection of qualitative data, six main themes were identified among four participants: content, functioning, therapist, group format, therapy effect, and factors influencing motivation, Discussion The retention rate achieved is lower than what is found in the literature. Factors impacting motivation, such as momentum, external influences on therapy, and group dynamics, are identified. The initial measures of therapy effectiveness align with the literature, indicating a reduction of about 50% in the ISI at three months. The ISI score declined after therapy concluded, in line with participants' perception of having the tools to enhance their sleep further. Conclusion This is the first pilot project evaluating a CBT-I program for Group B personality disorder patients. It has shown that a short-duration group CBT-I protocol for this clientele is feasible but not entirely acceptable. The low retention rate observed suggests a need for reflection to enhance acceptability, particularly regarding the recruitment process and individual support. Moreover, the preliminary results regarding clinical outcomes are promising and align with existing evidence. Methodological improvements are planned for subsequent research, including the integration of a control group to strengthen the internal validity of the conclusions. (c) 2025 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Background:Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with profound emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and a heightened risk of suicide. Although psychotherapy remains the first-line treatment, systemic limitations such as resource shortages and high dropout rates necessitate exploration of alternative or complementary interventions. In this context, peer support, defined as assistance provided by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, has gained interest as a promising complement or alternative to conventional care. Despite its growing use across mental health contexts, its relevance, effectiveness, and limitations remain poorly understood for individuals with BPD. Objective:This scoping review aims to synthesize the current literature on peer support interventions for individuals with BPD, focusing on their benefits, risks, and implementation challenges. Methods:Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) and grey literature sources. The inclusion criteria were defined using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. Eleven studies published between 2019 and 2025 were included. Data extraction focused on study design, participant characteristics, intervention content and structure, outcomes, and implementation challenges. Results:Peer support interventions varied from structured and manualized programs to flexible and community-based formats. Reported benefits included improved emotion regulation, reduced isolation, enhanced empowerment, and increased hope. Peer workers also reported personal growth and a strengthened sense of purpose. However, challenges such as emotional exhaustion, role ambiguity, inadequate supervision, and limited engagement in online settings were frequently noted. Only a few studies included quantitative measures of symptom change, and methodological heterogeneity limited cross-study comparisons. Conclusions:Peer support interventions show promising psychosocial benefits for individuals with BPD, particularly in domains related to relational connectedness, emotional coping, and subjective recovery. However, evidence remains limited by a lack of standardized models and rigorous evaluation. Future studies should employ mixed-method and controlled designs to better assess clinical outcomes and ensure safe, effective, and sustainable peer-led programs for this population.
Introduction. - In the field of Cluster B personality disorders (PDs), studies have primarily focused on borderline personality disorder (BPD), predominantly including women. Moreover, studies comparing various Cluster B PDs have examined some clinical features between men and women, particularly symptoms, without considering social characteristics. Objectives. - This study aims to compare the social and clinical characteristics of women and men with Cluster B PDs, using a database from a specialized service for persons with a PD. Methods. - Clinical variables examined included the severity of psychopathology as assessed by clinicians and perceived PD symptoms. These were measured using validated tools and entered into the service's database. Social variables included for example marital status and social network, and were systematically collected upon entry into the service. Additionally, therapy goals, part of the initial assessment, were qualitatively compared. Results. - Socially, there was no statistically significant difference between men (n = 103) and women (n = 283) regarding marital status, education, source of income, and number of leisure activities. Men had a more limited social network than women (P < 0.001). According to the Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ), more women scored in the BPD diagnostic range compared to men (P < 0.001). Analysis of BPQ dimensions showed that women exhibited more dissociative symptoms (P = 0.04). Also, the proportion of women reporting substance use in the last month was significantly higher (P = 0.04). Regarding therapy goals, improving relationships with oneself and others was most common among women, while men's goals mainly focused on managing symptoms and activities of daily life (e.g., finding a job, adopting healthier lifestyle habits). Conclusion. - This study contributes to considering sex and gender in service provision for people with Cluster B PDs. While there are several similarities between men and women, some social differences support the addition of interventions targeting everyday life elements, such as lifestyle habits for men. (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
BACKGROUND:People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often experience instability in their career paths. Previous studies have mainly focused on their challenges in work participation. There has been limited attention on their job tenure strategies. This qualitative study aimed to identify job tenure strategies of people with BPD who are currently employed. METHODS:Between November 2021 and March 2024, participants completed an online survey combining questionnaires and qualitative open-ended questions covering eleven themes, such as task management, adherence to workplace rules and self-perception of competence. The sample comprised 103 women, 22 men, and five non-binary persons, with an average age of 35. In addition to BPD, about half of the participants reported co-occurring diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders. For 54% of participants, their current primary job was aligned with their formal training. For 65%, it corresponded to their personal interests, and for 83%, with their competencies. RESULTS:To maintain well-being and performance at work, participants reported using strategies that involved balancing work and daily life through stable routines and health-supporting lifestyle habits. Key strategies enabling work functioning focused on self-regulation, cultivating positive workplace relationships, as well as task and time management. Organizing a calm work environment that facilitates concentration, using stress reduction and emotional regulation techniques, and seeking support from colleagues and managers were frequent examples. CONCLUSIONS:The findings highlight a variety of self-directed, interpersonal and task-related actions that people with BPD use to maintain job tenure when employed. These personalized strategies can enrich the development of sustainable work reintegration interventions. Future research should examine the empirical effectiveness of these strategies and explore additional job tenure factors, such as work accommodations tailored to the needs of people with BPD.
Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by pervasive emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Affecting over 1% of the general population, BPD carries significant morbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and an increased risk of suicide. Although specialized psychotherapeutic approaches have shown efficacy, their impact is often constrained by availability, lengthy treatment durations, moderate effect sizes, and high dropout rates. Pharmacological treatments for BPD remain inadequate and are usually accompanied by adverse side effects. Objective: This narrative review seeks to explore the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a safe, cost-effective, and accessible neuromodulation intervention aimed at alleviating core BPD symptoms—namely, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity—while also addressing common comorbidities and opportunities for integration with existing therapeutic modalities. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature synthesis in accordance with the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) guidelines. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed using keywords related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and BPD, identifying five published randomized controlled trials on the topic. To provide a broader perspective, we also included studies from related fields examining mechanisms of action, safety and tolerability, cost-effectiveness, stimulation parameters, and clinical outcomes relevant to BPD. Results: Conventional tDCS protocols—typically involving 1–2 mA currents for 20–30 min—have demonstrated an excellent safety profile, resulting in only minimal and transient side effects without any risk of overdose or misuse, which is a key advantage for populations at high risk of suicidality. With moderately priced devices and the feasibility of home-based administration, tDCS provides a substantially more affordable alternative to both long-term pharmacotherapy and intensive psychotherapy. Neurobiologically, tDCS modulates the excitability of the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and enhances fronto-limbic connectivity, thereby strengthening top-down regulatory control over emotion and behavior. Pilot randomized controlled trials report moderate effect sizes for improvements in emotional regulation, inhibitory control, and rejection sensitivity, along with ancillary gains in executive functioning and reductions in depressive and substance-use symptoms when stimulating the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusions: tDCS stimulation emerges as a safe and scalable adjunctive treatment for BPD, leveraging targeted neuromodulation to address core features and common comorbidities like depression. However, variability in current protocols and the scarcity of well-powered randomized trials underscore the pressing need for standardized methodologies, longer-term follow-up, and individualized stimulation strategies to establish enduring clinical benefits.
Background/Objectives: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves emotional dysregulation, interpersonal instability and impulsivity. Although treatments have advanced, evaluating the latest innovations remains essential. This rapid review aimed to (1) identify and classify recent therapeutic innovations for BPD, (2) assess their effects on clinical and functional outcomes, and (3) highlight research gaps to inform future priorities. Methods: Employing a rapid review design, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase for publications from 1 January 2019 to 28 March 2025. Eligible studies addressed adult or adolescent BPD populations and novel interventions—psychotherapies, pharmacological agents, digital tools, and neuromodulation. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, full-text review, and data extraction using a standardised form. Results: Sixty-nine studies—predominantly from Europe and North America—were included. Psychotherapeutic programmes dominated, ranging from entirely novel models to adaptations of established treatments (for example, extended or modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Pharmacological research offered fresh insights, particularly into ketamine, while holistic approaches such as adventure therapy and digital interventions also emerged. Most investigations centred on symptom reduction; far fewer examined psychosocial functioning, mortality, or social inclusion. Conclusions: Recent innovations show promise in BPD treatment but underserve the needs of mortality and societal-level outcomes. Future research should adopt inclusive, equity-focused agendas that align with patient-centred and recovery-oriented goals, supported by a coordinated, integrated research strategy.