... an important book ... a milestone in changing attitudes towards, and an understanding of, a neglected and disabling disorder. Psychological Medicine, 35

1. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER; Definition of the problem; Epidemiology; Clinical picture; The natural history of BPD; Studies of mechanisms and aetiological factors; 2. THERAPY RESEARCH AND OUTCOME; Psychological treatments; Drug treatments; Problems of outcome research; 3. MENTALIZATION-BASED UNDERSTANDING OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER; The developmental roots of BPD; The relevance of the attachment theory perspective; Optimal self-development in a secure attachment context; The impact of an insecure base; The impact of attachment trauma; 4. CURRENT MODELS OF TREATMENT FOR BPD; Transference focused therapy; Dialectical behaviour therapy; Cognitive behaviour therapy; Cognitive analytic therapy; Psychodynamic-interpersonal; Therapeutic communities; Other North American approaches; Other European approaches; Mentalization: the common theme in psychotherapeutic approaches to BPD; 5. TREATMENT ORGANIZATION; Service models; The treatment programmes; Staff; Assessment; Engagement in treatment; Supporting the team; Care programme approach; Adherence; 6. TRANSFERABLE FEATURES OF THE MBT MODEL; Structure; Consistency, constancy and coherence; Relationship focus; Flexibility; Intensity; Individual approach to care; Use of medication; Integration of modalities of therapy; 7. STRATEGIES OF TREATMENT; Enhancing mentalization; Bridging the gaps; Transference; Retaining mental closeness; Working with current mental states; Bearing in mind the deficits; Real relationships; 8. TECHNIQUES OF TREATMENT; Identification and appropriate expression of affect; Establishment of stable representational systems; Formation of coherent sense of Self; Development of a capacity to form secure relationships; 9. IMPLEMENTATION PATHWAY; Step 1 - Consider the context in which you work ..; Step 2 - Apply organizational principles; Step 3 - Modify the aims and techniques of your current practice; Step 4 - Implement procedures for dealing with challenging behaviours; Step 5 - Constantly evaluate your practice; Appendices; References