Document Type
Article
Publication Date
May 2004
Journal or Book Title
Journal of Psychiatric Practice
Volume
10
Issue
3
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to test whether the use of psychotropic medication treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) was consistent with proposals in the recently published American Psychiatric Association's Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder.
METHOD: Medication utilization by patients with BPD was assessed prospectively over a 2-year period prior to the publication of the Guideline. Three BPD symptom clusters--cognitive-perceptual, affective dysregulation, and impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol--along with demographic and functioning variables were used to predict the use of five classes of medication.
RESULTS: Symptoms of impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol significantly predicted use of both neuroleptics and anticonvulsants. Cognitive-perceptual symptoms were inversely related to anticonvulsant use.
CONCLUSION: While some pre-Guideline medication practices with BPD patients were consistent with the recommended algorithms, physicians may also have been influenced by a variety of considerations, including level of functional impairment and the presence of comorbid Axis I conditions.
Recommended Citation
Oldham, J. M., Bender, D. S., Skodol, A. E., Dyck, I. R., Sanislow, C. A., Yen S., Grilo C. M., Shea M. T., Zanarini M. C., Gunderson J. G., & McGlashan T. H. (2004). Testing an APA Practice Guidelines: symptom-targeted medication utilization for patients with borderline personality disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 10(3), 156-161.
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