"Individuals with subthreshold borderline personality disorder (BPD) are commonly encountered in primary care settings, yet the psychological treatments they receive are rarely tailored to their needs.

In an effort to capture and treat this group of individuals in a targeted and meaningful way, some primary care settings offer Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving – Emotional Intensity (STEPPS-EI).

This evaluation sought to assess the feasibility of STEPPS-EI within NHS primary care services. Employing an uncontrolled design, the evaluation examined recruitment, retention, effectiveness and group appraisal.

Findings supported three out of four evaluation objectives for feasibility: uptake of the group was high at 74%, the group was well received by the group and significantly effective at reducing symptoms of BPD, depression and anxiety. However, retention rates were low, with only 43% classed as ‘completers’ of the programme.

The results indicate preliminary evidence for STEPPS-EI as a potentially feasible intervention with possible modification to enhance retention and avenues for further study."

You can find the full paper here.