Clarkin TFP
TFP vs DBT vs Supportive Psychotherapy in BPD
Patient / Population Intervention / Exposure Comparison Outcome
In 90 patients with BPD, 1 year of TFP, DBT or supportive psychotherapy produced symptom improvement comparable across arms, with unique gains in reflective functioning under TFP.
N
90
Design
RCT, USA
Endpoint
Six domains rated by blind raters: suicidality, aggression, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, social adjustment
Relevance
3
ResultAll three arms significantly improved in depression, anxiety, global functioning, and social adjustment; only TFP improved across more domains (suicidality, anger, impulsivity, irritability, verbal/direct assault), DBT improved suicidality, supportive improved anger and impulsivity.
Clarkin JF, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164(6):922-928. 10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.922
Discussion & critique
Effects on attachment and reflection are TFP-specific; outcomes choice matters.