MMPI characteristics of the DSM-III borderline personality disorder

This study explored the characteristics of the Borderline Personality Disorder classification, specified in DSM-III. MMPI profiles of 29 male veteran inpatients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder were compared with the profiles of 26 similar inpatients with diagnoses of other personality disorders. The borderline group had higher elevations (p less than .05) on six of the 13 standard MMPI scales. Analyses showed the borderline profiles to be of a significantly higher elevation but no different in either profile shape or dispersion. A discriminant analysis accounted for 43.7% of the variance and correctly classified 78.2% of the patients. Results are discussed in terms of possible explanations for the high F scores of the borderline group. Implications regarding characteristics of the Borderline Personality Disorder are discussed.