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A current view of the interface between borderline personality disorder and depression
1Personality and Psychosocial Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02178.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Borderline and depressive disorders show a weak, nonspecific relationship, contrary to previous assumptions. New research across multiple domains challenges established connections between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Significant research expansion in borderline and depressive disorders.
- Previous reviews suggested a stronger link between these conditions.
- New evidence necessitates re-evaluation of their relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent research on the interface between borderline and depressive disorders.
- To assess how new findings impact conclusions about their relationship.
- To explore implications for classification, treatment, and the definition of borderline personality disorder.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent studies (past 6 years).
- Analysis of evidence from family history, comorbidity, phenomenology, psychopharmacology, and biological markers.
- Inclusion of emerging research in pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence indicates a weak and nonspecific relationship between borderline and depressive disorders.
- Family history, comorbidity, and biological markers do not strongly differentiate the disorders.
- Pathogenesis research further suggests limited specific overlap.
Conclusions:
- The previously assumed strong link between borderline and depressive disorders is not supported by current evidence.
- Classification and therapeutic strategies may need revision based on the weak observed relationship.
- The core construct of borderline personality disorder requires redefinition in light of this new understanding.