What is the prevalence of anxiety in the setting of chronic pain? The exact prevalence of anxiety disorder in chronic pain is unclear, due to a lack of studies specifically looking at this. However, it is widely recognized that it is not uncommon for patients with chronic pain to be anxious and worried. When patients …
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Are there specific guidelines for treating patients with borderline personality disorder? Role induction is crucial in the treatment of patients with personality disorders. There should be very clear instructions regarding the appropriate ways to utilize the clinic and expectations regarding appointment adherence and following recommended prescriptions for treatment. Consequences for not following the rules should …
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What practices should be avoided in treating patients with borderline personality disorder? Patients with borderline personality disorder are more likely than controls to report the use of prescription opiates. Prescribing opiates and benzodiazepines provide unique challenges in patients with borderline personality disorder. These medications provide an opportunity to escape, rather than cope with, unpleasant sensations. …
Is there a right way to interact with patients who have borderline personality disorder? Patients with borderline personality disorder are sensitive to the emotional attention paid to them by others, especially health care workers. Utilizing praise to positively reinforce even small progress while ignoring maladaptive behaviors is the most useful technique. Confrontation should be reserved …
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What is the prognosis of borderline personality disorder? While personality or character is thought to consolidate in early adulthood as a result of life experience, personality disorders are independent paradigms based on personality trait extremes that incorporate numerous maladaptive behavioral responses. However, a 10-year follow-up study demonstrated that 88% of patients with borderline personality disorder …
Is there a role for medication in treating borderline personality disorder? Because of the high prevalence of comorbid mood disorders in patients with borderline personality disorder, treatment of underlying mood disorders with appropriate antidepressants or mood stabilizers can provide significant benefit. Medications can help dampen their profound emotional reactivity, diminish their impulsive behaviors, and allow …
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Are the goals of treatment different for pain patients with borderline personality disorder? The goals of treatment for borderline personality disorder parallel the goals of treating chronic pain. In both cases, patients are working toward improving their function and developing skills to help tolerate discomfort. The goals of therapy are based upon changing behavior in …