[Borderline developmental disorders in children--on theory and treatment]

The author characterizes so called "borderline-children" on the basis of 190 case-studies referring to the results of a survey of some 100 child therapists and 40 child psychiatrists. "Borderline-children" show severe psycho-social strain and traumatic experiences and can be characterized by discrepant development, narcissistic pathology, aggressively and impulsiveness, clinging relationships as well as contact problems with children of the same age. The therapy aims at helping children to continue their development at a level appropriate to their age. Due to anxieties and hectic acting out, the therapy has to set distinct boundaries from the very beginning. Regression has to be curbed, archaic fantasies are to be copied with at a metaphorical level by play therapy and not interpreted by the therapist so that dissociated conscious matter is bridged. Usually the social environment has to be integrated into the treatment. In some cases. residential treatment and pharmacotherapy are necessary.