6
Diagnosis
Elements of the Treatment Plan
➤ Depending on the clinical circumstances and input from the patient
and others, a comprehensive and person-centered treatment plan will
typically delineate treatments aimed at improving functioning, reducing
symptoms, and addressing the core personality features of BPD. If co-
occurring psychiatric symptoms or disorders are present, it is important
to identify them and incorporate appropriate interventions into the
treatment plan. Psychotherapeutic approaches will be at the core of the
treatment plan for BPD (see Guideline Statement 5), but medications
may also be appropriate to use, typically on a limited basis (see Guideline
Statements 6 through 8).
➤ Other elements of the treatment plan will often include the following:
• identifying needs for additional evaluation
▶ history or mental status examination
▶ physical examination (either by the evaluating clinician or by another
health professional)
▶ laboratory testing, imaging, electrocardiography (ECG), or other clinical
studies (if indicated on the basis of the history, examination, and planned
treatments)
• determining the most appropriate treatment setting
• providing psychoeducation about BPD and approaches to treatment
• addressing barriers to adherence
• collaborating with other treating clinicians
• involving family members, other caregivers, and other individuals in the
patient's support network
• delineating plans for addressing risks of harm to self or others, if present
• addressing co-occurring disorders, if present
• incorporating goals of treatment related to culturally sensitive care, as
well as psychosocial considerations such as school or employment, past or
current adversity, or interpersonal, family, or intimate relationships
