The value of sequential hospitalization for borderline cases

Care for decompensated borderline cases in full‐time hospitalization can lead to several types of complications which endanger the therapeutic result: initial ambivalence, voluntary discharge against medical advice, malign regression in the course of hospitalization and the resurgence of separation anxiety when the patient leaves the hospital. Short passages of sequential hospitalization, organised in agreement with the patient, can help to avoid these pitfalls by offering a sufficiently supportive care programme whilst reinforcing the patient‘s capacities for autonomy and boosting his\her narcissism.