Características e efeitos de intervenções psicoeducativas para o transtorno da personalidade borderline

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by instability of emotions, interpersonal relationship, and self-image, affecting all areas of the individual’s life. Insufficient or incorrect information, as well as the stigma associated with this psychopathology, frequently hinder treatment. In this context, psychoeducation can contribute, through educational and therapeutic actions, to raise awareness about the disorder. In view of this, we sought to characterize the scientific production regarding the psychoeducation of BPD, with the objective of identifying which psychoeducation modalities are being carried out, by whom, for which target audience, what their focus, and with what results. A systematic literature review was carried out in nine national and international databases of articles published in English or Portuguese. A total of 1032 papers were found, and 31 were selected for analysis. The data were organized in the following sections: focus and target audience, conduct, characteristics and results of psychoeducation for BPD. It was found that the main target audience of these interventions was the patients, followed by family members. The conduct was mostly carried out by therapists, without specification of the profession. Many studies used psychoeducation as a component of treatment, with themes related to emotions and relationships. Psychoeducation contributed to improved personal relationships, emotion management, engagement in treatment, and symptom relief of the individuals with BPD. Increased knowledge about the disorder also reduced the emotional burden on family members. Finally, suggestions for future research were made based on the limitations of the investigated studies.