The Psychoanalytic-Interactional Method (PiM) for Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Background: Diagnosing borderline personality disorder in adolescence is controversial. Early and appropriate treatment for adolescents showing traits of borderline personality disorder is urgently needed. Objective: However, while some studies on the effectiveness and efficacy of psychodynamic therapy in adults with borderline personality disorder exist, research on adolescents is scarce. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial in an inpatient setting, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the psychoanalytic-interactional method (PiM) in adolescents diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or structural deficits (Salzer et al., 2013; Salzer et al., 2014). Results: PiM is a useful method in both inpatient and outpatient treatment and fits the specific requirements of adolescent treatment.