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Published on: March 8, 2018
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Sex differences in borderline personality disorder: A scoping review
Xinyu Qian1, Michelle L Townsend1,2, Wan Jie Tan1
1School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Plos One
|December 30, 2022
Summary
This review found sex differences in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) symptoms, with males showing more externalizing behaviors and females more internalizing ones. More research is needed on treatment and developmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often misperceived as predominantly affecting females.
- Existing research on sex differences in BPD is fragmented and inconclusive.
- Understanding potential sex-based variations in BPD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review synthesizing current research on sex differences in Borderline Personality Disorder.
- To identify patterns in BPD symptoms, comorbidities, developmental factors, biological markers, and treatment outcomes based on sex.
- To highlight gaps in the existing literature regarding sex and BPD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web-of-Science databases (1982-2022).
- Data extraction and screening followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology with independent reviewers.
- Data synthesis employed vote counting and narrative synthesis methods for 118 identified papers.
Main Results:
- Males with BPD were more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression) and comorbid substance use disorders.
- Females with BPD were more prone to internalizing symptoms (e.g., affective instability) and comorbid mood and eating disorders.
- Research predominantly focuses on baseline symptoms and comorbidities, with limited investigation into sex differences in treatment, development, and biological markers.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex differences exist in BPD symptom presentation, with males leaning towards externalizing and females towards internalizing behaviors.
- There is a critical need for further research into sex-specific treatment outcomes, developmental trajectories, and biological underpinnings of BPD.
- Future studies should consider diverse populations, incorporate gender as a construct, and utilize longitudinal designs to fully understand the influence of sex on BPD's course.
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