Mentalisation-based treatment for borderline personality disorder: a narrative review of recent process and outcome findings

Abstract

This article presents a narrative review of recent process and outcome studies of mentalisation-based treatment (MBT) for borderline personality disorder (BPD). The author introduces the theoretical origins of mentalisation, its role in BPD, and the therapeutic approach of MBT. Quantitative and qualitative findings are then reviewed and critically appraised for their methodological strengths and limitations. The review finds that BPD patients benefit from the multicomponent structure and active ingredients of MBT. Finally, practical implications are discussed and directions for future research are proposed.