It is based on the investigation, recommendations, and finding reported in Life at the Border . In the program, the term Borderline Personality disorder is replaced with 'dyslimbia' meaning a malfunction in the brain's limbic lobes. This is Dr. Heller's term which emphasizes the physical origins of the illness. The patients and their families find the term 'dyslimbia' acceptable and descriptive of the underlying medical problems, whereas the name Borderline Personality Disorder is offensive and insulting. The therapy groups are unique.
Initial indications are very encouraging.
Patients express enormous relief at having a diagnosis and symptoms understood by others with the same problem. Patients and families say they feel hopeful for the first time. Medication controls the majority of severe mood problems, anger and psychosis, enabling patients and families to begin the hard work of rebuilding identities, relationships, and lives. Dr. Heller's analysis effectively combines and acknowledges the valuable previous work and research of dedicated colleagues in pharmacology, medicine, psychology, and related mental health fields. While current studies and ideas are allowing progress, more investigation and long term research are needed in all areas of BPD and it's treatment.