Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of dialectical behavior therapy plus olanzapine for borderline personality disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of dialectical behavior therapy plus olanzapine compared with dialectical behavior therapy plus placebo in patients with borderline personality disorder.


METHODS
Sixty patients with borderline personality disorder were included in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. All patients received dialectical behavior therapy and were randomly assigned to receive either olanzapine or placebo following a 1-month baseline period.


RESULTS
Seventy percent of the patients completed the 4-month trial. Combined treatment showed an overall improvement in most symptoms studied in both groups. Olanzapine was associated with a statistically significant improvement over placebo in depression, anxiety, and impulsivity/aggressive behavior. The mean dose of olanzapine was 8.83 mg/day.


CONCLUSIONS
A combined psychotherapeutic plus pharmacological approach appears to lower dropout rates and constitutes an effective treatment for borderline personality disorder.
Soler
Joaquim
J
Department of Psychiatry, Sta. Creu and St. Pau Hospital, St. Antoni M Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
Pascual
Juan Carlos
JC
Campins
Josefa
J
Barrachina
Judith
J
Puigdemont
Dolors
D
Alvarez
Enrique
E
Pérez
Victor
V
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010919:Placebos; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010919:Placebos; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine