Dilemmas in the Management of Suicidal Behavior in Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder

This article discusses the therapeutic and ethical/legal dilemmas involved in treating patients with borderline personality disorders. The authors argue that for acute suicidal situation, traditional management approaches are appropriate; however, for chronic situations–which are common among borderline patients–traditional approaches may be counterproductive. A number of treatment proposals are presented, & criticism concerning the law’s bias towards acute cases. (VM)