Development and validation of a computerized adaptive testing for borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a high prevalence rate, frequent comorbidities, and complex manifestations. The challenges associated with evaluating BPD underscore the need for efficient assessment tools.

To facilitate efficient BPD screening in the general population, this study developed a computerized adaptive test for BPD (CAT-BPD) using a Chinese sample (N = 1,097). The CAT-BPD item bank was constructed from several widely used BPD scales and calibrated using item response theory (IRT). A CAT simulation was subsequently conducted using the empirical response data to evaluate the performance of the item bank.

The final item bank comprised 71 items. Each retained item assessed at least one BPD symptom criterion and demonstrated local independence, adequate item fit, high discrimination, and an absence of differential item functioning (DIF). Furthermore, the simulation indicated that the CAT-BPD maintained acceptable reliability, criterion-related validity, and predictive utility while substantially reducing the test length.

These findings suggest the CAT-BPD is an efficient tool for BPD screening and can facilitate the early identification of BPD in the general population.