[Borderline adolescents under hospitalization conditions]

The problem of borderline states is recently attracting interest in the entire psychiatric world. The paper deals with the problem of diagnosis and therapy of borderline states during adolescence, in particular under conditions of hospitalization. In the first part the author discusses problems which are associated with the diagnosis of borderline states in general and in adolescence in particular. The specificity of adolescence makes the diagnosis of typical traits of the described syndrome difficult. It is also a question whether it is correct to speak of borderline conditions at this early age. The second part deals with contemporary trends in the treatment of borderline states, again with special emphasis on adolescence. Attention is drawn to the fact that psychotherapy in the treatment of borderline states is irreplaceable; it must be, however, implemented with adherence to special regulations (supportive psychotherapy). Hospitalization is then an important modification of therapeutic possibilities and practices. The paper is concluded by an illustrative case-history of a borderline adolescent who was repeatedly hospitalized. Gradually a more accurate diagnosis was elaborated and optimal therapy was sought which involved various pitfalls.