Improving Access to Care for Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. Individuals with BPD face numerous challenges, including suicidal tendencies, self-harm, and difficulty maintaining social relationships. The stigma and misinformation surrounding BPD further complicate their struggles. Patients suffering from BPD are often diagnosed only at the stage where they’ve attempted suicide or self-harm. Early intervention can prevent this. This study aims to develop a smartphone app for BPD patients, addressing gaps in therapy accessibility and providing immediate support. The app integrates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) techniques, offering mindfulness exercises and emotion regulation tools. Usability testing involved three participants, assessing convenience and technical feasibility. Future iterations may incorporate AI chatbot features for interactive therapy simulations. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 10, the app promotes accessible mental health support and reduces therapy inequalities. Overall, this project not only endeavours to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by BPD patients but also envisions a scalable and innovative solution with potential societal impact.