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Discriminating borderline personality disorder from other axis II disorders
M C Zanarini1, J G Gunderson, F R Frankenburg
1Psychosocial Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02178.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers identified seven specific clinical features that are particularly useful markers for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Many commonly associated BPD traits are actually general personality disorder features.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis relies on numerous clinical features.
- Distinguishing BPD from other Axis II disorders can be challenging due to overlapping traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific and discriminating clinical features of borderline personality disorder.
- To differentiate core BPD markers from general personality disorder traits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients.
- Assessed 22 clinical features in 120 BPD patients and 103 controls with other Axis II disorders.
Main Results:
- Four features were common but not discriminating for BPD.
- Eleven features discriminated BPD but were not specific.
- Seven features were identified as more specific to borderline personality disorder.
Conclusions:
- Many features previously considered indicative of BPD are better understood as general personality disorder traits.
- The seven identified specific features may serve as valuable diagnostic markers for BPD.