Relationship between BPD and institutionalization

[Parents! Get help here!]

Hello,
I am wondering if anyone has any studies or references with regards to BPD and institutionalizations?  (ie. hospitals, residential treatment, etc).

My 16 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with BPD and has spent much of the past two years in and out of hospital (stays from anywhere from 1 week to 3 months).  Recently she entered a residential program.  We are currently into the second month of the program.  She is a 'tough nut to crack', but I can see some of the DBT seeds starting to take root (although briefly!).  This finally feels like it might be closer to the help she needs to get us out of the constant cycle of hospitalization every other month.

However - they have made it very clear that "because of her borderline diagnosis" she will only be allowed to stay in the program for two more months and then we will need to look for next steps.  The program has plenty of bed spaces available and - although I realize you can't compare with other patients - the other youth in the unit are all going to be residents for at least 6 months or more.

I know there is a fear/connection between BPD and wanting to make sure that they don't default to the 'safe' environments that institutions can provide.  Fortunately, my daughter has never been someone who wants to stay within those safe environments, and in fact we have to fight hard to get her to go to the hospital, residential, etc when she needs help.  But the staff have been very clear that, because of her diagnosis, she will need to move on at the end of her four months there.

I have been looking for documented evidence that BPD patients should have their stays shortened.  I have read it in passing, but there is a part of me that wonders if it is also just a 'general knowledge' piece that a lot of workers and staff adhere to and not something backed up by evidence or studies.

My fear is that this program may actually start to do some good ... .some seeds of change ... .and that pushing her out too quickly may inadvertently set her back.

Any thoughts? Information that I can reference?
Thanks in advance!

[bpdmom99]

Hello,
I am wondering if anyone has any studies or references with regards to BPD and institutionalizations?  (ie. hospitals, residential treatment, etc).

My 16 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with BPD and has spent much of the past two years in and out of hospital (stays from anywhere from 1 week to 3 months).  Recently she entered a residential program.  We are currently into the second month of the program.  She is a 'tough nut to crack', but I can see some of the DBT seeds starting to take root (although briefly!).  This finally feels like it might be closer to the help she needs to get us out of the constant cycle of hospitalization every other month.

However - they have made it very clear that "because of her borderline diagnosis" she will only be allowed to stay in the program for two more months and then we will need to look for next steps.  The program has plenty of bed spaces available and - although I realize you can't compare with other patients - the other youth in the unit are all going to be residents for at least 6 months or more.

I know there is a fear/connection between BPD and wanting to make sure that they don't default to the 'safe' environments that institutions can provide.  Fortunately, my daughter has never been someone who wants to stay within those safe environments, and in fact we have to fight hard to get her to go to the hospital, residential, etc when she needs help.  But the staff have been very clear that, because of her diagnosis, she will need to move on at the end of her four months there.

I have been looking for documented evidence that BPD patients should have their stays shortened.  I have read it in passing, but there is a part of me that wonders if it is also just a 'general knowledge' piece that a lot of workers and staff adhere to and not something backed up by evidence or studies.

My fear is that this program may actually start to do some good ... .some seeds of change ... .and that pushing her out too quickly may inadvertently set her back.

Any thoughts? Information that I can reference?
Thanks in advance!

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[livednlearned]

Hi BPDmom99, I'm just popping in and heading out to get dinner so just have a quick thought to share (and so happy to hear about the tiny little improvement for your daughter!)

I wonder if Blaise Aguirre at McLean's would know of any research about this?

www.mcleanhospital.org/biography/blaise-aguirre

He may at the very least know of someone in his field doing this research.

I hope you find some helpful answers 

LnL