Esther Hunter

Research demonstrating the ability of music to reach the older parts of the brain responsible for emotional processing make a case for utilising specific musical compositions to deliver treatment to people with Borderline Personality Disorder. BPD has been linked to an increased risk of Cardiometabolic Syndrome (CMS), as traumatic experiences in childhood predict adverse mental and physical health in adulthood including Personality Disorders. BPD sufferers who develop CMS as a result of impulsive lifestyle choices may have their recovery inhibited by the effects of CMS. Dieting may be particularly difficult for people with BPD as food serves as a way to soothe emotional pain and depression. Emotional pain leads to making choices which increase the chances of developing health conditions which research has shown negatively affect mood and memory function. Remission of BPD requires maintaining a reduction in impulsive lifestyle choices. Traditional treatments such as CBT require the patient to utilise their own degree of cognitive abilities (willpower), which may not be functioning well due to poor health. A direct line to brain areas such as the amygdala could circumnavigate the necessity to use slower cortical areas when reprogramming the patient towards healthier decision-making. This presentation will provide suggestions for how to integrate therapy into tailored songs."