FOCUS ON ETHICS Ethical Considerations in Treatment of Personality Dysfunction: Using Evidence, Principles, and Clinical Judgment When the Evidence Base Is Scant: Some Considerations in the Ethical Treatment of Personality Dysfunction

Abstract

Clinical work with clients suffering from personality disorders can be among the most challenging for psychologists. These clients may have a wide range of clinical presentations, and many practitioners may lack the specialized training needed to provide successful treatment to these clients. Clinicians are faced with several challenges in making treatment decisions that are ethically informed and based on available research findings. Because of the relative dearth of evidence-based treatments for these clients, clinicians are encouraged to use a cost-benefit analysis approach when weighing the benefits versus disadvantages of specific interventions and treatment approaches. Recommendations for effective and ethical treatment of clients with personality dysfunction are provided that are based on an empirically grounded framework. Three expert commentators provide insights into the state-of-the-art of clinical work with these clients