A systematic review and meta-analysis of digital interventions targeted at individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), and related symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

The present review investigates the impact of digital interventions for individuals with features of borderline personality disorder (BPD)/emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD) as digital interventions show promise as therapeutic tools in underserved groups. BPD/EUPD features are identified as clinically relevant, yet previous reviews on the use of digital interventions fail to include subthreshold symptomatology.

METHODS

Five online databases were searched for terminology in three categories: BPD/EUPD and related symptoms, mental-health interventions, and digital technology. Additionally, four relevant journals and two trial registers were searched for additional papers meeting the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twelve articles met all inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed statistically significant differences in symptom measures between intervention and control groups at postintervention and decreases in BPD/EUPD symptomatology and well-being from pre- to postintervention. Service users' engagement, satisfaction, and acceptability of interventions were high. Results support the previous literature on the value of using digital interventions in populations with BPD/EUPD.

CONCLUSION

Overall, it was identified that digital interventions show promise for successful implementation with this population.