Borderline personality disorder in adolescence: the case for medium stay inpatient treatment.

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of personality disorders in adolescents has been a topic of debate in recent years. METHOD This manuscript reviews the case of an adolescent girl admitted for a medium length combined inpatient and partial hospitalization program. This program has developed protocols to assess for Axis I and II pathology as well as various psychological processes. Comprehensive outcome measures were administered to the patient at discharge and follow-up. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of a personality disorder in adolescence appears to be associated with psychological processes usually identified in adults. Against the background of an emerging debate about the need to reform a culture of ultra-short inpatient care, this case study provides some support for more thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents who appear to have comorbid Axis I and II disorders.