Abstract
Background. Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) is a new cognitive group treatment for outpatients with borderline personality disorder.
Methods. The English and Dutch language literature was reviewed on the STEPPS program.
Results. STEPPS was introduced in The Netherlands in 1998 under the acronym VERS. Reasons for its rapid dissemination throughout Holland include a user-friendly manual, its 20-week duration, ability to maintain the patient’s current treatment team, and ease of therapist training. Two pilot studies, one in the US and one in The Netherlands, suggest its efficacy. Randomized controlled trials are now underway.
Conclusions. STEPPS has become widespread in The Netherlands, and is now being modified for other settings, such as programs for adolescents.
Notes
10. Dietz B: Vaardigheids Training Emotionele Regulatie Stoornis (VERS): Pilot Studie. Doctorelscriptie. Rejkuniversiteit Gronigen: Afdeling Klinisch Psychologie, 2001
16. First MB, Spitzer RL, Gibbon M, Williams JBW: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders – Non-patient Edition (SCID-I/NP-2/2001 revision). Biometrics Research Department, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 2001