The use of mentalization-based treatment for adolescents (MBT-A) with a young woman with mixed personality disorder and tendencies to self-harm.

This article explores the psychological profile and treatment of young people who present clinically with features of borderline and avoidant personality disorder, along with vulnerable narcissistic traits. Self-harm in these youngsters is often used to regulate internal storms. It is argued that the adolescent phase of development is a trigger point for collapse in these vulnerable young people. In therapy, these patients are difficult to connect with emotionally and treatment can be fraught with strong countertransference reactions. A case study is used to illustrate the use of mentalization-based treatment for adolescents for such individuals.