A REVIEW OF INPATIENT GROUP-THERAPY FOR BORDERLINE PERSONALITY-DISORDER

Because the average length of psychiatric hospitalization is decreasin g, effective shortterm treatments for patients with borderline persona lity disorder (BPD) are in greater demand. Of particular interest are group therapies, which have traditionally been a treatment of choice o n inpatient units. We review empirical research and clinical descripti ons of group psychotherapy for inpatients with personality disorders, especially BPD. Based on the existing literature on inpatient groups, supplemented by the most recent literature on outpatient groups for pa tients with BPD, we propose a framework within which an effective shor t-term group treatment may be developed for inpatients with this disor der. In particular, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ada pting Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy for short-term inpatient use.