The focus of this webinar is the co-occurrence of bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although these conditions represent distinct diagnostic entities, existing research suggests that approximately 20% of individuals with BD meet criteria for comorbid BPD. However, there are no current guidelines regarding which treatments work best for this group. The webinar focuses on symptom profiles commonly seen in individuals who meet criteria for both BD and BPD and how these presentations compare to those of individuals who carry only one of these diagnoses. The discussion then transitions to a review of existing psychosocial treatments for BD and BPD and ideas about how these approaches can be integrated to best treat this specific patient population. The overall goal of this webinar is to provide a detailed overview of the research on this comorbidity while also providing practical suggestions for clinicians and patients about the interventions that may be most helpful for this group.
Christina Temes, PhD is the Director of Psychology at the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Temes’ research and clinical interests focus on the phenomenology and treatment of mood disorders, personality disorders, and their comorbidity. At MGH, she is involved in multiple projects using learning health system and collaborative care frameworks to improve care and treatment delivery for patients with bipolar disorder.