Behavioral Health News

Suicide and BPD

American Journal of Psychiatry July 2004

A study of people with Borderline personality disorder (BPD) found that other than self-injury, suicidal behavior is most closely associated with affective instability and childhood sexual abuse. Major depression symptoms surprisingly did not significantly predict suicidal behaviors.

Schizophrenia and Clozaril

American Journal of Psychiatry, May 2004

Clozaril is an atypical anti-psychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia. Despite some significant side effects it is a very effective treat for this disorder. A recent study found that adding another atypical anti-psychotic, Solain (amilsulpride) to clozaril increases the effectiveness of that drug resulting in significant improvement in symptoms. Unfortunately, Solian is only available in Italy at this time.

Depression best treated with psychotherapy and medication

Archives of General Psychiatry, July 2004

Studies of over 1800 patients were analyzed that compared psychotherapy and medication to medication only. Patients were randomly assigned to their treatment group. Results should that patients treated with psychotherapy and medication did much better than patients treated only with medication. After 12 weeks of treatment the psychotherapy group not only continued to do better but had fewer drop outs from treatment as well.

DBT and BPD

Behaviour Research & Therapy May 2004

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a cognitive-behavioral treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) was studied in females with BPD. The randomized study compared inpatient form of DBT to outpatient treatment in the community. The results showed that 42% of the woman receiving DBT improved on a measure of global psychopathology which was significantly better than those that received outpatient treatment.

BPD and life success

Journal of Abnormal Psychology May 2004

A study of 351 young adults showed that people who had the borderline personality traits of impulsivity and affective instability were less likely to be successful in social relationships, in academic settings and at work. The key reason for these findings is that these traits impair a person´s ability to form effective social relationships--which are crucial to life success.