The Application of Mindfulness in The Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

Yike Duan; Xinyue Lv

doi:10.62051/4rd1jd15

Authors

Yike Duan
Xinyue Lv

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/4rd1jd15

Keywords:

Borderline personality disorder; mindfulness; mechanisms.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by generally unstable patterns in emotional regulation, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. It is always accompanied by some associated disorders, such as problematic alcohol use and self-harm. The cause of borderline personality disorder is well understood, with genetic factors and childhood abuse both contributing, and it is more common in women than in men. In this study, we also investigated the neuroscientific aspect of changes in the brains of people with borderline personality disorder. We wanted to find out about the effectiveness of mindfulness in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Studies show that mindfulness practice affects psychological and neural processes and systems, leading to improved attentional capacity, body awareness and engagement in cognitive control processes, and recognising the therapy as a behavioural component to improve emotion regulation and reduce symptoms in people with borderline personality disorder. We proposed 3 hypotheses regarding the mechanism of mindfulness treatment in patients with borderline personality disorder. That is, mindfulness may affect borderline personality disorder by improving individuals' emotional regulation, reducing impulsivity, and inducing changes at the neurophysiological level.

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