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Biological markers in borderline personality disorders: an overview
M Steiner1, P S Links, M Korzekwa
1Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Summary
Research reviews biological markers for borderline personality disorder (BPD) subpopulations. Findings suggest some BPD patients may be genetically linked to major mental disorders like schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis lacks specific biological markers.
- Existing research shows potential overlap in biological abnormalities between BPD and other major mental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on biological markers for BPD subpopulations.
- To explore the interface between personality disorders (PD) and major mental disorders (MMD).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on biological markers in BPD.
- Analysis of neuroendocrine abnormalities and their relation to affective disorders (AD) and schizophrenia (SCH).
- Examination of established markers like DST, TRH/TSH test, and REM latency.
Main Results:
- Widespread disagreement exists regarding the specificity of biological markers for BPD.
- Some BPD and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) patients exhibit neuroendocrine abnormalities shared with AD and SCH patients.
- Biologic abnormalities in chronic schizophrenia are also observed in some SPD patients.
Conclusions:
- Clinical factors like diagnostic criteria and chronicity contribute to confusion in identifying BPD markers.
- Current data support the hypothesis that some PD patients are independent of MMD, while others may be genetically related.