THE BORDERLINE-PATIENT IN THE GROUP - BASIC FINDINGS

This article deals with the insights gained from the treatment of borderline patients in long-term, heterogenous groups composed of members having primarily characterological problems. The typical features of borderline patients are described and the reasons for their preferential treatment in groups are reviewed. The author discusses the specific therapeutic techniques employed with these patients along with organizational - administrative suggestions for their management. While the incorporation of one borderline patient in a heterogenous long-term group can be quite successful, the time-limited approach of homogenous groups composed solely of borderline patients has not proven to be feasible.