Related Experiment Videos
Gender differences in borderline personality disorder: findings from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality
Dawn M Johnson1, M Tracie Shea, Shirley Yen
1Summa Health System, St Thomas Hospital, Akron, OH 44310, USA.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|August 19, 2003
Summary
Gender differences in borderline personality disorder (BPD) show some variations, with men more prone to substance use disorders and women to PTSD and eating disorders. However, overall clinical presentations reveal more similarities than differences in BPD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Limited research addresses gender differences in borderline personality disorder (BPD) presentations.
- Existing literature suggests potential gender-specific comorbidities and trauma histories in BPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-based differences in the clinical presentation of BPD.
- To compare men and women with BPD on comorbidities, trauma, functioning, and personality traits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized baseline data from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study (CLPS).
- Compared men and women meeting BPD criteria on Axis I/II disorders, BPD criteria, childhood trauma, psychosocial functioning, temperament, and personality traits.
Main Results:
- Men with BPD showed higher rates of substance use disorders and schizotypal, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders.
- Women with BPD were more likely to have PTSD, eating disorders, and identity disturbance.
- Overall, BPD presentations showed more similarities than differences between genders.
Conclusions:
- Observed gender differences in BPD comorbidities align with broader psychopathology trends.
- BPD may present a core pathology that diminishes typical gender-based distinctions in mental health presentations.