INTEGRATING EMDR THERAPY WITH TREATMENT AS USUAL FOR BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER PATIENTS WITH UNDERLYING CHILDHOOD TRAUMA (AN INTERRUPTED TIME SERIES STUDY)

Abstract

Objective: To study the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with Treatment as Usual for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and underlying childhood trauma.

Background: EMDR therapy aims to reduce distress by targeting non-processed memories using bilateral stimulation. Development and maintenance of borderline personality disorder has been studied to have a strong link with childhood trauma and studies show that treating childhood trauma can improve the outcome of borderline personality disorder.

Methods: An interrupted time series design was used with 21 participants aged 18–50. Participants received 12 weekly EMDR sessions alongside TAU. Symptom severity and functionality were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-ups using the BSL-23 and GAF scales.

Results: EMDR significantly reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life. After TAU, participants showed slight improvement but still scored high on the BSL-23 severity scale. By mid-treatment, 47% shifted from high to moderate severity, while post-intervention, 38% reported mild symptoms, and 62% moderate severity. At 3- and 6-month follow-ups, benefits were sustained without relapses, with two-thirds achieving mild severity and global functioning improving to over 80%. Female participants showed greater improvements than males.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate EMDR's efficacy as an adjunct to TAU for treating BPD with underlying trauma. The therapy improves overall functioning and life quality. Further research with larger and more diverse samples and RCT to compare with DBT is recommended to validate these outcomes and explore long-term effects.