Treatment conditions
BPD, early-stage BPD, mental illness
SESSION
The two treatment arms were Online and MS-BPD + Online and the treatment period was 15 days. Rather than utilise TAU or a waiting list as comparators, which may not be operationalised consistently or have the same effect within and between trials, this trial aimed for a more rigorous design by comparing two manualised, standardised, active interventions (Online comprised two self-directed modules of written material and video interviews with experienced clinicians, clients and parents (available at MS-BPD + Online comprised the Online modules and MS-BPD, a manualised group programme developed for the carers of young people with early-stage BPD. Informed by the principles of CAT and the HYPE model of care, MS-BPD comprises three 2-hour in-person group sessions, run during the evening over three consecutive weeks. Session 1 (‘What is BPD?’) psychoeducation content includes an explanatory model of BPD; normal development; causes of BPD; the developmental context of BPD in young people; and the rationale for thinking about relationships in the treatment of BPD. Session 2 (‘BPD Treatment’) content includes an introduction to early intervention for BPD and common interpersonal difficulties and possible ways to resolve these. Session 3 (‘Looking After Yourself’) content includes managing risk from a relational perspective; supporting carer self-efficacy and well-being; and additional resources. Groups were facilitated by clinicians and (for Session 3) a lived experience expert, who has cared for a young person with mental illness. Treatment integrity was maintained via facilitator supervision, use of the manual and standardised programme resources (e.g. presentation slides). MS-BPD + Online treatment completion was defined as attending two or more MS-BPD sessions.