Citation

Rossouw TI. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 2015; 71(2): 178-187.

Affiliation

North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jclp.22153

PMID

25604636

Abstract

This article explores the psychological profile and treatment of young people who present clinically with features of borderline and avoidant personality disorder, along with vulnerable narcissistic traits. Self-harm in these youngsters is often used to regulate internal storms. It is argued that the adolescent phase of development is a trigger point for collapse in these vulnerable young people. In therapy, these patients are difficult to connect with emotionally and treatment can be fraught with strong countertransference reactions. A case study is used to illustrate the use of mentalization-based treatment for adolescents for such individuals.

Language: en