E-Mental Health for People with Personality Disorders: A Systematic Review

Purpose of Review Provision of mental health services through digital technologies (e-mental health) can potentially expand access to treatments for personality disorders (PDs). We evaluated studies on e-mental health for PDs published over the last 3 years (2019-2022). Recent Findings Studies published in English that used e-mental health to treat people with PDs or PD-related symptoms were identified. We identified 19 studies, including four randomized controlled trials and one meta-analysis. Most interventions were based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy and delivered through smartphone applications for adults with Borderline Personality Disorder [BPD] or related symptoms. User experiences of the interventions were generally positive. Evidence for efficacy was limited. The current literature on e-mental health for PDs is limited in scope. Research in understudied populations and randomized controlled trials designed to establish efficacy are warranted. It is not yet clear whether e-mental health may be helpful for the treatment of PDs.

Automated summary

This review evaluated studies on e-mental health for personality disorders (PDs) published in the past three years. The findings suggest that while there are limited studies in this area, interventions based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy delivered through smartphone applications have shown generally positive user experiences. However, evidence for their efficacy is still limited. Further research, including randomized controlled trials in understudied populations, is needed to establish the effectiveness of e-mental health for PDs.