abstract
- Borderline personality disorder is a prevalent and chronic disorder characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Limited success with current treatment approaches suggests that new models of treatment are needed. Aspects of the psychiatric rehabilitation model are applied to borderline personality disorder. This model has implications for the diagnosis and management of borderline personality disorder. The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder will be refined by characterizing the disabilities and handicaps that are associated with the disorder. The psychiatric rehabilitation model suggests that services be developed which provide a validating environment, the opportunity to enhance skills and a mechanism to accept input from families.