Residential Treatment Programs for Borderline Personality Disorder
Residential Treatment Programs for Borderline Personality Disorder

Residential Treatment Programs for Borderline Personality Disorder

Residential treatment programs benefit teens with borderline personality disorder

Depending on the specific symptoms or diagnoses of your troubled teen, he or she may require the structure of a residential treatment facility. In the case of a teen with borderline personality disorder, a residential treatment program is a practical solution because it offers proper medical treatment in a focused and consistent environment. The following is a brief look at how residential treatment programs can offer hope to troubled teens with this controversial and under-researched disorder.

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by impulsivity and instability in mood, self-image and personal relationships. Patients with borderline personality disorder are extremely challenging to treat because of constant mood swings that include periods of suicidal or self-injurious behavior. They are also well-known for being manipulative, expressing uncontrolled anger and taking frantic actions to avoid abandonment. When a person suffers from borderline personality disorder, it causes problems for both the individual who has the disorder as well as his or her close family and friends.

However, residential treatment programs provide a consistent environment with firm boundaries-an important step in treating someone with borderline personality. For example, from the beginning of treatment, professional therapists are able to communicate clear expectations for both the patient's therapeutic and medical treatments. Patients are then praised for good behavior and receive appropriate consequences for negative behavior. In addition, experienced therapists can provide consistent, non-emotional reactions in contrast to the patient's dramatic tendencies or attempts at manipulation. Moreover, therapists at residential treatment facilities or similar Christian boarding schools are able to offer appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques such as reality checks that help increase her self-awareness.

While it may be difficult for a parent or loved one to hold a teen accountable for their actions, a professional therapist has the experience and knowledge to hold the patient to their contract. Teens can learn to be responsible for their actions, interactions, and health. Due to these and many other reasons, a residential treatment program can open the door to more effective medical treatment and, consequently, long-term safety and health.