Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

Dear Colleagues,

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental disorder associated with functional impairment, a greater use of medical services, and a high burden on patients and families. This personality disorder is characterized by identity alterations, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and emotional instability as well as by impulsive behavior, periodic intense anger, feelings of emptiness, suicidal behavior, self-mutilation, transient, stress-related paranoid ideation, and severe dissociative symptoms. Borderline personality disorder is underdiagnosed, and most patients who have it also exhibit additional psychiatric conditions. Most people with BPD have coexisting mental disorders such as mood disorders (i.e., major depression or bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and an increased suicide risk. The etiology of BPD is multifactorial, including biological and family factors, and many of them are related to a traumatic history. However, many etiological factors are still unknown.

Recent research findings have contributed to an improved understanding and treatment of borderline personality disorder. Some psychotherapy treatments are useful, and the most effective of which are dialectical behavior therapy and mentalization-based therapy. So far, no pharmacological treatment has been approved for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Future research is necessary to achieve a better understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic approach of BPD.

This Special Issue aims to be an update focused on the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, neurobiology, genetic factors, history of trauma, and psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatments of BPD.

The cutting-edge research that will be included in this Special Issue will involve neurobiology, genetic factors, and treatments.

Both original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Marína Dı́az-Marsá
Guest Editor

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• borderline personality disorder
• diagnosis
• neurobiology
• trauma history
• genetic factors
• treatment