Complex cognitive therapy treatment for personality disorder patients.

Abstract

Preliminary studies have found cognitive therapy to be a promising treatment for personality disorder patients. Therapy is based on an individualized formulation of the case and is generally much more complex and potentially more lengthy than the treatment for patients with Axis I disorders alone. Modifications of treatment include a greater focus on the therapeutic relationship, increased emphasis on developmental events, variations in session structure, and utilization of specialized strategies to alter dysfunctional beliefs and compensatory behavioral strategies.