Special section: Self-other distinction in personality disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Personality disorders (PDs) are characterized by impaired self- and interpersonal functioning.
• These impairments may stem from difficulties in self-other distinction (SOD), the ability to differentiate one's own experiences from others'.

Discussion:

• This special section explores the role of SOD impairments in PDs, aligning with dimensional views of personality pathology.
• It integrates research from clinical psychology, social neuroscience, and experimental psychology.

Key Insights:

• SOD impairments contribute to key PD features like emotional contagion and perspective-taking difficulties.
• Blurred embodied self-other boundaries and self-other coordination issues are highlighted.

Outlook:

• Focusing on SOD can enhance understanding and treatment of PDs.
• Further translational research is needed to explore potential therapeutic avenues.