The Effectiveness of Psychoanalytic Therapy in Reducing Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms and Improving Social Functioning

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most complex psychological disorders, characterized by emotional instability, intense interpersonal problems, impulsive behaviors, and a disturbed self-image. Beyond diminishing the individual’s quality of life, this disorder affects family relationships, social functioning, and public mental health. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy in reducing BPD symptoms and improving social functioning among patients diagnosed with the disorder. The statistical population included all patients with BPD who referred to psychotherapy centers in Tehran during the year ۲۰۲۵. The sample consisted of ۴۰ patients (۲۰ in the intervention group and ۲۰ in the control group), selected through purposive and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing the severity of BPD symptoms and social functioning. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and t-tests, were used to compare pre-test and post-test scores. Findings revealed that psychoanalytic therapy significantly reduced BPD symptoms and improved social functioning in the intervention group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. These results support the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy in enhancing mental health and social functioning among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and provide practical guidance for psychotherapists in designing targeted treatment programs.

Keywords:

Borderline Personality Disorder , Psychoanalytic Therapy , Social Functioning