The effectiveness of group schema therapy in the treatment of borderline symptoms in adolescents

The aim of this randomized controlled intervention study is to evaluate the effectiveness of group schema therapy in the treatment of borderline personality disorder symptoms in adolescents and young adults (ClinicalTrials.gov NTC06606002). Borderline personality disorder is a severe and long-lasting mental health condition, the features of which are often already observable during adolescence. The disorder has a significant negative impact both on the affected young person and on those close to them. Current treatment guidelines emphasize the importance of providing targeted interventions already during adolescence. However, there are still only a limited number of evidence-based treatment options available.

The study sample consists of 32 young people participating in group schema therapy and 32 matched controls. Participants are 15- to 22-year-old patients receiving treatment within the Department of Psychiatry at Turku University Hospital (TYKS). The intervention is based on a group schema therapy model that has previously been shown to be effective in adults. In this intervention, the experiential component of group schema therapy has been strengthened through the use of participant-generated video recordings.

This video-based method has been named VideoFacilitation (previously referred to as ‘VideoTalk’) and is being investigated by a multidisciplinary research group. In addition to expertise in psychiatry and psychotherapy, the research team includes specialists from fields such as nursing science and linguistics. The method is used as part of a psychotherapeutic treatment program. As a homework assignment, patients record videos of themselves in various emotionally significant situations, and these videos are subsequently reviewed together with the treating clinician. The objective is to bring the patient’s real-life emotional reactions into the clinical setting, thereby enhancing treatment by encouraging independent therapeutic work between sessions. The method enables patients to observe themselves and gain alternative perspectives on their own behavior and thought processes. In psychotherapy, learning self-reflection is essential, and video-based work provides a highly concrete means of achieving this.

Participant recruitment for this intervention study is currently ongoing, and the intervention groups will be conducted between 2025 and 2027.

Principal investigator and contact information: Professor Max Karukivi (max.karukivi@utu.fi)