Exploring Reflective Function in Borderline Personality Disorder Therapy

Reflective function is a significant assessment tool in understanding borderline personality disorder, gauged through the adult attachment interview. Patients with borderline personality disorder typically score around three, but show improvements with transference-focused therapy. Therapists' reflective function scores significantly impact therapy outcomes, with 70.5% variability between the best and worst therapist outcomes attributed to reflective function. High reflective function therapists are crucial in effective treatments for borderline personality disorder, surpassing the efficacy of medications in addressing the underlying disorder. Studies indicate that half of individuals with borderline personality disorder may no longer meet diagnostic criteria by middle age, emphasizing the importance of therapy interventions like mentalization-based therapy.