The Mechanisms and Applications of Mentalized-Based Treatment for Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that often causes depression, interpersonal disturbances, and strong self-harm or even suicidal tendencies. The impact of an individual’s early experiences significantly contributes to BPD. This disease is widespread in adolescents as the prevalence of BPD in adolescents has been on an upward trend
over the past decades. Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is one of the psychotherapies comprised of individual treatment and small closed-group treatment to provide a sense of safety. MBT has been considered one of the most effective treatments through the improvement of an individual’s mentalization, strengthening of self-recognition, reducing the extent of depression, and decreasing self-harm. However, the relevant clinical research based on the treatment leaves a gap. This paper aims to inform on the mechanism and theories of MBT as the primary treatment for BPD, including the unique characteristics of MBT that enhance the therapy process, which mainly targets adolescents. In future research, clinical trials of adolescent BPD with MBT treatment methods are required to optimize and improve the MBT. MBT can become one of the primary directions for psychologists and outpatient therapists.