Review Article Genetic Basis of the Borderline Personality Disorder

Objective: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a common psychiatric disease characterized by impulsiveness, aggressiveness and emotional instability. Self-injury and suicidal behaviours are common in these patients. Both genetic and environmental factors have been identified in the genesis and development of this disorder. This article is a review paper to study the genetic basis of the BPD and its main behavioural dimensions. Methods: The available literature on the genetic basis of BPD has been reviewed using the MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases. Genes and genetic variations reported to be linked to BPD have also been studied for their reported association with suicide, aggressiveness and impulsiveness. Results: Genetic variations in serotonergic system-linked genes are the candidates most studied and most widely reported to be associated with BPD. Genes involved in the cathecolaminergic pathway such as the cathecol-o-metyl-transferase (COMT) or dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes have also been shown to be related with BPD. All these genes have generally shown inconsistent associations with BPD-related traits. Conclusions: Despite the low number of studies assessing the role of genetic markers on the genesis and development of this disorder, scientific evidence suggests that serotonin-related genes may be linked to BPD. Further effort and more in-depth studies of the relationship between serotoninergic and cathecholaminergic-related genes and BPD are needed. Moreover, other genes linked to aggression and impulsiveness should be taken into account. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol.11 (2): July – December 2010.