Cognitive–behavioural therapy as a comprehensive treatment for personality disorders

Personality disorders are a group of psychological disorders characterised by a developmental nature, long-lasting impairment and emotional suffering. Personality disorders have an estimated prevalence rate of approximately 8% in community settings, but in in-patient settings the rate might be as high as 76%. Cognitive–behavioural therapies (CBTs) include psychotherapies that emphasise the identification and modification of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to the maintenance of psychological disorders. CBTs have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating various types of personality disorder. This article focuses on the nature of personality disorders and their categorial and dimensional assessment and neurobiology. We present three influential CBT models used in personality disorders: schema therapy, cognitive interpersonal therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy. For each one, we outline the rationale, intervention strategies and therapeutic techniques, with practical examples and summary tables to illustrate their application.