Borderline Personality Disorder

The purpose of this course is to provide health and mental health professionals with the information necessary to assess and treat patients with borderline personality disorder effectively and safely, while minimizing their own stress level and clinic disruption these patients are capable of producing. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Review the history of borderline personality disorder (BPD).

2. Describe the current and previous diagnostic criteria for BPD.

3. Outline the incidence and prevalence of BPD.

4. Identify common psychiatric and medical comorbidities of BPD.

5. Evaluate the pathophysiology and natural history of BPD in various patients.

6. Analyze barriers to the care of patients with BPD.

7. Discuss approaches to the assessment and diagnosis of BPD.

8. Describe conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis of BPD.

9. Outline the history of therapy for BPD and selection of the appropriate level of care for patients with BPD.

10. Discuss approaches to identify and intervene to prevent self-harm, parasuicidal behaviors, and suicide in patients with BPD.

11. Assess the efficacy of available specialist psychosocial therapies used in the treatment of BPD.

12. Evaluate the efficacy of available generalist and primary care interventions used in the treatment of BPD.

13. Review the role of pharmacotherapy in BPD treatment, including contraindicated medications.

14. Describe the importance of involving the family in treatment approaches for BPD.

15. Discuss approaches to managing psychiatric comorbidities in patients with BPD.

16. Outline the prognosis of patients with BPD.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.