1. Epidemiological and aetiological research on borderline personality disorder Definition of the problem Epidemiology Clinical picture The natural history of BPD Studies of mechanisms and aetiological factors 2. Psychological treatments Drug treatments Problems of outcome research 3. Mentalization based understanding of borderline personality disorder The developmental roots of BPD The relevance of the attachment theory perspective Optimal self-development in a secure attachment context The impact of an insecure base The impact of attachment trauma 4. Current models of treatment for BPD Transference focused therapy Dialectical behaviour therapy Cognitive behaviour therapy Cognitive analytic therapy Psychodynamic-interpersonal Therapeutic communities Other North American approaches Other European approaches Mentalization: the common theme in psychotherapeutic approaches to BPD 5. Treatment organization Service models The treatment programmes Staff Assessment Engagement in treatment Supporting the team Care programme approach Adherence 6. Transferable features of the MBT model Structure Consistency, constancy and coherence Relationship focus Flexibility Intensity Individual approach to care Use of medication Integration of modalities of therapy 7. Strategies of treatment Enhancing mentalization Bridging the gaps Transference Retaining mental closeness Working with current mental states Bearing in mind the deficits Real relationships 8.

Techniques of treatment Identification and appropriate expression of affect Establishment of stable representational systems Formation of coherent sense of Self Development of a capacity to form secure relationships 9. Implementation pathway Step 1 - Consider the context in which you work . Step 2 - Apply organizational principles Step 3 - Modify the aims and techniques of your current practice Step 4 - Implement procedures for dealing with challenging behaviours Step 5 - Constantly evaluate your practice Appendices Referencew.