Understanding the Experience of Parents with a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveA parental diagnosis of borderline personality disorder has been associated with high levels of parenting distress and greater risk of psychopathology and psychosocial issues among their children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the experience of parents who have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and their perceptions regarding access to appropriate parenting supports and resources.MethodsEleven mothers and one father with a past and/or present diagnosis of borderline personality disorder participated in focus groups in which they were asked questions about their experiences of parenting and service provision. Participants were aged between 29 and 59 years (M = 40.17; standard deviation = 9.53), and the majority identified themselves as Caucasian (83%). The study design was qualitative, and thematic analysis was utilised to identify common themes.ResultsThematic analysis identified four key themes of parenting challenges, parenting rewards, barriers to accessing support, and recommendations for improving parenting experience. Seventeen subthemes were also identified and are represented graphically.ConclusionsParents with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder find parenting both a challenging and rewarding experience. While a number of themes identified by parents with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder are similar to those reported by parents with other forms of severe mental illness (i.e., rewards, stigma, fear of custody loss, and negative service provision experiences), there was also evidence of specific themes relating to the symptoms of borderline personality disorder and parenting. Recommendations are provided for improving services for these parents.