An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 4

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex diagnosis in which the patient presents important symptoms related to impulsivity, mood swings and emotional instability, leading to psychological distress and significant interpersonal conflicts. The objective of the study is to conduct an integrative literature review to analyze the relationship between mindfulness, specifically mindfulness-based interventions, and BPD. The search was conducted by evaluating studies found in the PubMed and BVS (SciELO and Lilacs, Psychinfo) databases, with 26 articles included in this review. Although the diagnostic criteria have existed for some time and are discussed in the literature, its treatment and symptoms still require revisions and literary development to assist in the clinical improvement of these patients. Among the possible therapeutic approaches, the benefits of Mindfulness for self-regulation of patients with BPD have been studied with greater frequently, being one of the skills employed in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and its objective is full attention (concentration in the present moment, intentionally and without judgments). Studies show that the integration of mindfulness as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) can lead to reductions in stress symptoms and improvements in the quality of life of patients. Breathing as a tool for self-regulation (as used in mindfulness) can systematically enhance the influence of the vagus nerve over the heart. Studies on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) demonstrate that improvement in emotional regulation is directly related to the reduction of symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the control of impulsive behaviours. Thus, the study helps to clarify the therapeutic benefits of Mindfulness for patients with BPD and offers the possibility of theoretical reflection on the literature presented on the subject. Given the therapeutic potential of the association between mindfulness and BPD, it is crucial that more research includes this patient group, as investing in this intervention could expand access to treatment for a large number of patients who do not respond to other recommended therapies.