By: Dr. Aileen Kim
Last month, I gave a talk to post doctorate clinicians at Georgetown University about Mindful Management of Shared Treatment with Borderline Personality Disorder Patients.
Many patients with BPD see a therapist for psychotherapy and a psychiatrist for medication management. This treatment model is commonly called "split treatment", but I prefer to describe it as "shared treatment" which I consider a more accurate reflection of what is happening when the model is being used effectively.
We examined ways that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles can be applied by non-prescribing therapists and prescribing clinicians alike to integrate care for BPD patients. Additionally, we discussed how using our own skills as clinicians can be part of care for caregivers and create an effective professional culture.