Heterogeneity of borderline personality disorder symptoms in help-seeking adolescents

Abstract Background The heterogeneous presentation of borderline personality disorder (BPD) represents a clinical challenge. There is an ongoing scientific debate whether the heterogeneity can best be understood in terms qualitative (categorical) or quantitative (dimensional) differences between individuals. present study examined latent structure BPD adolescents. Methods Five-hundred and six outpatients aged 12 to 17 years with risk-taking and/or self-harming behavior were assessed at baseline one-year follow-up. Latent class analysis (corresponding categorical approach), factor dimensional mixture models (allowing for both aspects) applied DSM-IV criteria. Results fitting model distinguished majority high probabilities all criteria (“borderline group”) minority impulsivity anger only (“impulsive group”). Sex significantly affected membership, age explained within-class variability. group primarily consisted females, frequently reported adverse childhood experiences, scored on emotion dysregulation inhibitedness traits, was associated internalizing psychopathology. In contrast, impulsive males, dissocial trait, externalizing After one year, two groups showed similar improvement. Conclusions provides evidence distinct subgroups adolescents features that resemble subtypes ICD-10 emotionally unstable disorder. More research needed further investigate diagnostic stability over time potential differential treatment indications.