Abstract 

The relationship between the borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is complex and controversial. The two conditions frequently co-occur, and it is often argued that the experiences and behaviour characteristic of “personality disorder” are better thought of as a response to complex developmental trauma. Evidence-based BPD treatments such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and mentalization based therapy (MBT) do not directly treat PTSD or explore trauma history in-depth – but a small trial in the USA has shown that adding a prolonged exposure treatment for PTSD to DBT may improve outcomes. This talk will present findings on the effect of PTSD on the outcome of evidence-based psychological treatment for personality disorder, and the feasibility of adding a prolonged exposure treatment for PTSD to DBT.

Kirsten is a Lecturer in Mental Health Services Research at City University of London with a special interest in the prevention and treatment of inter-generational mental health difficulties. Her work has particularly focussed on the experiences of people diagnosed with personality disorder who may be survivors of complex trauma, and on parent-infant interventions in the perinatal period. She joined City in 2020, having previously held NIHR Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship positions at Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London. She is currently leading an NIHR-funded randomised controlled trial of the video feedback intervention for positive parenting (VIPP) for parents with enduring difficulties in managing emotions and relationships, consistent with a personality disorder. Prior to this, her NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship explored the interplay between personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and evaluated outcomes and experiences of dialectical behaviour therapy and mentalization-based psychological therapies.

Chair