Application and Analysis of the Effectiveness of the STEPPS Programme in Patients With BPD, Extended to Their Families Through the Family Connections Programme: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background

This study investigates Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), one of the main challenges in mental health care. The main objectives are to determine whether the combined use of established treatments for patients with BPD and their families leads to significant improvement in both groups. In addition, the acceptance and implementation of both programmes, as well as their feasibility, will be evaluated.

Methods

Participants will be randomly assigned to two treatment conditions: (1) STEPPS programme for patients and Family Connections programme (FC) for relatives; and (2) only STEPPS for patients. Qualified professionals from the University Hospital of La Ribera will perform the diagnosis of BPD, based on the DSM-5 criteria, using the SCID-II interview. The instruments used as primary outcome measures for participants will be: the Borderline Symptom List 23 (BSL-23), the Acquired Capability with Rehearsal for Suicide Scale (ACWRSS), and a critical incident registry. The main outcome measures for the family members will be: the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), the Family Empowerment Scale (FES), and a critical incident registry. The protocol will include pre- and post-treatment evaluations and follow-up after 6 months.

Discussion

This approach responds to the need found in scientific literature to involve families in the treatment of BPD to improve the quality of the intervention and represent an advancement in the treatment of the disorder. This study will be the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to intervene simultaneously in both populations, patients and relatives, and demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the treatment in a real clinical setting.