Prospective studies of outcome - Understanding mechanisms of change in patients with borderline personality disorder

Studying the course of disorders has three essential purposes: (1) to validate diagnostic entities, (2) to establish prognostic indicators tors, and (3) to comprehend mechanisms of differences in outcome. Particular prospective studies of border; line personality disorder are reviewed, and a model of proposed mechanisms of change is presented. The level of impulsivity and exposure to a healing relationship may act independently and synergistically to promote recovery from borderline personality disorder.