Borderline Personality Disorder: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide

By renowned expert John G. Gunderson, M.D., Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide, Second Edition provides an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

A Complete Overview of BPD Diagnosis and Treatment

This exhaustive guide covers the full range of clinical presentations, treatments, and levels of care, offering a nuanced understanding of BPD. The second edition incorporates cutting-edge research on BPD’s relationship to other disorders, as well as up-to-date descriptions of empirically validated treatments. These include cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, ensuring that clinicians have access to the most effective treatment modalities.

A Pioneer in the Field Shares His Expertise

With nearly 40 years of research and clinical experience, Dr. Gunderson, director of the Borderline Personality Disorder Center at McLean Hospital, provides a unique perspective on this complex condition. He sheds light on the historical evolution of the diagnosis, addresses common misdiagnosis, and presents a clear and specific definition of BPD.

Evaluating Treatment Approaches

The guide offers a complete evaluation of treatment approaches, including pharmacotherapy, family therapy, individual and group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Dr. Gunderson presents an authoritative overview of each treatment modality, highlighting the sequence of treatments and the types of changes that can be expected from each mode. This enables clinicians to choose the most effective therapies for their patients.

Treatment in Multiple Settings

The book also outlines therapeutic approaches for various settings, including hospitalization, partial hospitalization or day hospital programs, and levels of outpatient care. This comprehensive coverage ensures that clinicians are equipped to provide effective treatment in any setting.

Insight into the Subjective Experience of BPD

In addition to its comprehensive treatment guide, the book features a series of informative and intriguing sidebars. These provide insight into the subjective experience of BPD, address common myths about therapeutic alliances, and question the efficacy of contracting for safety.

Practical Guidance for Clinicians

Throughout the book, Dr. Gunderson offers specific recommendations for disclosing the diagnosis, discussing medications, meeting with families, starting psychotherapy, and managing suicidality. This synthesis of theory and practical examples makes Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide, Second Edition an indispensable manual for any clinician working with BPD patients.

Key Details

Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing
Publication Date: February 20, 2009
Language: English
ISBN: 9781585623358, 9781585628865