The 10-year course of PTSD in borderline patients and axis II comparison subjects

Abstract

The first objective is to detail the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over a decade of follow-up for those in both study groups. The second is to determine time-to-remission, recurrence, and new onset of PTSD, and the third is to assess the relationship between sexual adversity and the likelihood of remission and recurrence of PTSD. The SCID I was administered to 290 borderline in-patients and 72 axis II comparison subjects during their index admission and re-administered at five contiguous 2-year follow-up periods. The prevalence of PTSD declined significantly over time for patients with borderline personality (BPD) (61%). Over 85% of borderline patients meeting criteria for PTSD at baseline experienced a remission by the time of the 10-year follow-up. Recurrences (40%) and new onsets (27%) were less common. A childhood history of sexual abuse significantly decreased the likelihood of remission from PTSD, and an adult history of sexual assault significantly increased the likelihood of a recurrence of PTSD. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that PTSD is not a chronic disorder for the majority of borderline patients. They also suggest a strong relationship between sexual adversity and the course of PTSD among patients with BPD.