Potential OT Interventions for People With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Scoping Review

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), by a variety of symptoms that interfere with occupational participation and performance, such as unstable self-image, intense emotions, self-harm, and risky behaviors. In the United States (U.S.), BPD affects 1.6% of the population, or 4 million Americans. About 70% of people with BPD attempt suicide in their lifetime and 10% will complete suicide. Occupational therapists are distinctly qualified to address behavioral differences that impact occupational performance for this population; however, there is limited research that specifically focuses on occupational therapy (OT) interventions for people with BPD which is important for informing OT intervention planning. This scoping review analyzes current literature to identify OT interventions as well as psychosocial interventions that are used with those diagnosed with BPD. Electronic databases were systematically searched (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, PsychInfo, Psychology Database Journals, and CINAHL) and inclusion criteria for selection included adults diagnosed with BPD by the DSM-III, IV, or 5; interventions used by mental health professionals; and the article was in English. One hundred and fifty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Of those articles, 11 mentioned OT practitioners as providing interventions, 9 study designs were identified, 39 types of interventions were examined, 22 countries were included, and publication years ranged from 1993 to 2022. A variety of evidence-based interventions applicable to this population were identified, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Themes included awareness of behaviors and skill training to improve functional performance. The results of this research impact the profession by serving as a summary guide of evidence-based interventions that OTs can use with the population diagnosed with BPD.

References

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