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 the face of intense and distressing emotional states. Dialectical behavior therapy is the most widely recognized treatment for borderline personality disorder. This treatment is based on validating strong emotions and negative experiences, while helping the patient choose healthier behaviors despite these feelings.
