Borderline syndromes in childhood: criteria for diagnosis

There is currently a great deal of confusion regarding the diagnostic status of children with borderline disorders and a tendency to apply criteria for borderline adults to the diagnosis of these children without allowing for developmental differences. On the basis of their experience with 24 latency-age children, the authors propose diagnostic criteria in an effort to establish a uniformity in the diagnosis of these children. Major areas of psychopathology include fluctuation of functioning, nature and extent of anxiety, thought content and processes, relationships to others, and lack of control. The authors also found a high frequency of organic impairment, physical abuse, and familial disturbance.