Borderline Personality Disorder: Impact, Overlap, and Comorbidities

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with functional impairment, characterized by marked impulsivity, instability of mood, interpersonal relationship problems, and suicidal behaviors with high suicide rates. It affects interpersonal relationships in all domains including child rearing, which can be a challenge for parents with BPD. BPD may also lead to poor socioeconomic outcomes due to frequent job losses and lack of productivity; criminal behavior from impulsivity; and increased resource use, resulting in high health care treatment costs. BPD is comorbid with other mental health disorders; therefore, its identification and treatment are paramount for management. The clinical challenge centers on managing chronic suicidality. Treatment consists of various modalities, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2020;50(1):14–18.]