From science to services: Developing a neuroscience-based innovative clinical treatment model to manage severe and repetitive self-harm in a 60-year-old woman with severe personality disorders

Abstract

A model based upon neurobiology of threat management that promotes use of social engagement and affect regulation as a strategy to manage heightened threat perceptions and aggression to self and others is introduced. The effectiveness of the model is illustrated through the case report of a woman with severe and repetitive harm to self and others, where its use led to significant reduction in these behaviours. Finally the merits of using a biologically plausible, theoretically grounded and clinically relevant model over strategies driven by multiple and disparate factors (e.g. clinical diagnoses, subjective reports, social circumstances and 'objective' clinical rationales) that are not governed by a unified framework is highlighted. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.