Mentalization-Based Group Therapy for Personality Disorder in Adolescence: A Single Case Study.

Treating personality disorders in adolescents presents a significant challenge, as intense emotions and unstable relationships often lead to early dropout from therapy. This is particularly concerning, given that psychotherapy is the primary treatment for personality disorders and that such a diagnosis is typically associated with severe difficulties daily functioning. The case report of a 16-year-old girl with borderline personality disorder illustrates how a history of trauma and early unstable relationships can contribute to later difficulties in emotion regulation and impair the ability to think clearly under pressure. During group therapy, interpersonal conflicts were resolved as the girl became increasingly able to understand both her own mind and the mind of others. A new conflict arose and intensified when the therapists were required to inform external authorities, highlighting the importance of mentalizing within the team and the advantages of a team-based approach to treating personality disorders, which includes a combined treatment of both individual and group therapy. The case illustration demonstrates how mentalization-based interventions can help rebuild trust and repair misunderstandings in therapy, thereby preventing dropout and illustrating the potential of psychotherapy for these patients. Concrete examples of possible interventions for managing interpersonal conflict in group therapy are provided with the aim of encouraging others to engage in the treatment of personality disorders in adolescence.