With the evolution of more concrete and definite diagnostic criteria, more individuals are admitted to psychiatric units with the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. This diagnosis is a distinct one, identifying a certain maladaptive lifestyle — that of “stable instability ”. These individuals are difficult to treat. They have a tendency towards regression in hospital and usually become management problems. Contracting is a technique that has been a useful tool in working with this population. The aim of contracting is to provide structure by setting limits so that regression and dependency in hospital are minimized. This paper will provide an overview of the Borderline Personality and introduce the technique of contracting which is useful in working with this difficult population.
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