To review the evidence for the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and other biological treatments in suicidality associated with personality disorders, chiefly borderline personality disorder.
Method
Systematic review of the literature.
Results
Studies evaluating treatment of suicidality in personality disorders are absent. However, several studies examine the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for core symptom clusters that are closely associated with suicidal behaviour. Efficacy exists with transient psychotic episodes, flashbacks and dissociations, affective dysregulation, impulsivity, and anger and hostility.
Conclusions
Modest efficacy of pharmacologic treatments adjuvant to psychosocial treatments can be shown for clusters of symptoms related to borderline personality disorder.
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