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Predicting change in borderline personality: Using neurobehavioral systems indicators within an individual growth
Mark F Lenzenweger1, Danaea Desantis Castro
1Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Binghamton, NY 13902, USA. mlenzen@binghamton.edu
Development and Psychopathology
|April 15, 2006
Summary
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is not as stable as previously thought, showing significant change over time in most individuals. Neurobehavioral factors like incentive motivation and anxiety predict these changes, suggesting BPD is a malleable condition.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has historically been viewed as a stable, enduring trait.
- This perception has influenced understanding of its development, treatment, and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing longitudinal research on BPD stability in adolescents and adults.
- To present new data on predictors of BPD change using a neurobehavioral model and individual growth curve analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of longitudinal studies on BPD.
- Individual Growth Curve (IGC) analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders.
- Examination of neurobehavioral predictors, including emotion systems.
Main Results:
- Longitudinal research consistently indicates considerable change in BPD over time, challenging notions of stability.
- Studies including treated and untreated individuals support BPD's malleability and decline in severity.
- IGC analysis identified incentive motivation and anxiety systems as key predictors of BPD level and change.
Conclusions:
- Borderline personality disorder appears to be a more plastic and less enduring condition than previously assumed.
- Neurobehavioral systems, particularly positive and negative emotion regulation, play a crucial role in BPD's longitudinal course.
- The IGC approach offers valuable insights into the developmental psychopathology of BPD.
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