Randomized, Controlled Trial of Web-based Psychoeducation for Women with Borderline Personality Disorder
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this randomized controlled trial of internet-based psychoeducation for borderline personality disorder (BPD) was to determine if this form of treatment was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving psychosocial functioning. Method Eighty women who met DSM-IV criteria for BPD were randomized either to the treatment group (n = 40) or the control group (n = 40). Recruitment was conducted from July, 2013 to March, 2015. Subjects participated in 15 assessment periods that were divided into an acute phase (weeks 1–12) and a maintenance phase (months 6, 9, and 12). Main outcomes were assessed using the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder. Results In the acute phase of the study, those in the treatment group were found to have a significant decline in their scores on all ten outcomes studied, while those in the control group had a significant decline on seven of these outcomes. Two between-group differences were found to be significant–those in the treatment group reported a significantly greater decline in their impulsivity (z = −1.98, p = 0.048) and a significantly greater increase in their psychosocial functioning than those in the control group (z = −1.97, p = 0.049). In the maintenance phase of the study, those in the treatment group were found to have a significant decline in their scores on nine of the 10 outcomes studied, while those in the control group had a significant decline in only three of these outcomes. In terms…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 40 participants or records.
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