Current dynamic thinking regarding the diagnosis of the borderline patient

This paper succinctly discusses the current dynamic thinking regarding the diagnosis of the borderline patient. After a brief historical perspective, an ego-psychological diagnostic approach to the borderline patient is presented. Influenced heavily by Kernberg, yet quite simple, this approach provides an integrative summary of current diagnostic concepts of the borderline personality. That presentation is followed by introductory excursions into four current areas of focus regarding the diagnosis of the borderline patient.