Dilemmas in the Management of Suicidal Behavior in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Managing suicidal behavior of individuals with borderline personality disorder presents both therapeutic and ethical/legal dilemmas. Approaches to managing “acute” suicidal situations may be inappropriate for the “chronic” suicidal states of many borderlines. Proposals for managing “chronic” suicidal behavior are reviewed and recommendations are made to aid in effective management.