Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2016 May;14(2):226-228. 10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.226.

Use of Clozapine for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Case Report

• Amamou B
• Salah WB
• Mhalla A
• Benzarti N
• Elloumi H
• Zaafrane F
• Gaha L

• KMID: 2170994
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.226

Abstract

Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show significant impairment in functioning, particularly in the interpersonal and social domains. Prior reports suggest that clozapine may be effective in the management of BPD. We present the case of a patient with BPD who experienced persistent suicidal ideation and was treated with clozapine at a state psychiatric hospital. After treatment failure with other psychotropic medications, clozapine medication was initiated; not only did suicidal ideation cease, but social and professional functioning also greatly improved to the point of no longer requiring intensive levels of observation or restrictive procedures. Clozapine appears to be efficacious in the management of suicide attempts and self-injurious behavior. Moreover, it appears to be promising as a therapeutic measure for ameliorating the global functioning of patients with severe BPD. Larger, randomized, blinded, and controlled prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine optimal dosage.

Keyword

Borderline personality disorder; Suicide; Social adjustment; Clozapine

MeSH Terms

Borderline Personality Disorder*
Clozapine*
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Prospective Studies
Self-Injurious Behavior
Social Adjustment
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide
Treatment Failure
Clozapine