A thematic analysis of the subjective experiences of mothers with borderline personality disorder who completed Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: a 3-year follow-up

Abstract

Background Perinatal borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common condition in perinatal mental health settings with few specialised treatment options, and little is known about the enduring effects of available treatment programs. This study explored the follow-up experiences of women with BPD after completing Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (MI-DBT). Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had completed MI-DBT 3 years prior. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the interviews to gain a richer understanding of these mothers’ lived experience. Results A thematic analysis generated four main themes which indicated that participants found that MI-DBT improved their ability to hold their child in mind, be aware of their own internal state and behaviours, manage their own emotional reactions and stay calm, and manage interpersonal interactions within adult relationships. Mothers with perinatal borderline personality disorder also highlighted the need for ongoing support in the context of parenting. Conclusions This study is the first of its kind to explore the longer-term experiences of mothers following such an intervention, giving voice to this vulnerable group of women. The findings of this study provide a greater understanding of the complex challenges experienced as part of parenting for mothers with borderline personality disorder, and provides both insight into mothers’ experiences of life after MI-DBT and the impact of the program on their lives. The clinical and research implications of the study’s findings are discussed. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered on 07/03/2024, ACTRN12624000225516.