Borderline Personality Disorder Research Paper

SYMPTOMS OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER 2

Abstract Three studies, all of which are related to Borderline Personality Disorder, its symptoms and predictive factors, were examined and discussed in these three journal articles. There have not been tremendous amounts of studies and research done on symptoms of BPD in children, because this disorder is hard to diagnose, especially in younger patients. This is because some of the symptoms associated with BPD, can manifest over the years and potentially be an explanation for many other mental disorders other than a borderline personality. There are things to look out for in children’s (birth-12 years) negative behavior, that are potential precursors

This team addressed previous research studies stating that the most frequent age group with BPD symptoms in a group of children ages 9-19 was between the ages of 11-14. The study concluded that physical aggression was the most dominant predictor for a diagnosis of BPD in female children, while relational and physical aggression, ADHD, and symptoms of depression were roughly similar in terms of predictive factors for male children. This study also touched on how the symptoms of BPD in children, adolescents and adults are similar in terms of self harm, emotionally inconsistent relationships, and feelings of isolation and emptiness, but children and adolescents tended to have more personal negative emotions like moodiness and anger, wheres adults experienced more severe symptoms such as feelings of paranoia, personal identity disturbances, and impulsive and frantic behaviors. This suggests that symptoms may worsen over time if the the individual goes undiagnosed or untreated. Thus, early intervention is something that should not be undermined. Another aspect of this article was the focus on a group of 4th and 6th graders over a year and a half period of time, tracking the closeness of BPD features and depression

There still is much research that needs to be done in order to better understand BPD and its symptoms, because a lot of the symptoms and risk factors can be evidence of things other diagnoses. Researchers Michael N. Hallquist, Alison E. Hipwell, and Stephanie D. Stepp took a different approach in assessing predictive risk factors associated with BPD symptoms in youth to adolescent diagnosis, by examining parenting styles of children with negative emotionality. This study noted that one reason it can be hard to diagnose adolescents with BPD is because of the changes in personality at this time. Personalities can mature and develop in these years so diagnosing in this time frame could potentially be