Borderline Personality Disorder (IN: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Suicide Assessment and Intervention, edited by D G Jacobs)

Borderline personality disorder is one of two DSM-IV diagnoses for which suicidality is a criterion. This chapter highlights the distinctive features of suicidality in borderline personality disorder. A review of the epidemiological data in conjunction with an explanation of the unique interpersonal dynamics of suicidality in borderline personality disorder will provide a framework for the assessment of immediate suicide risk & a foundation for the treatment of both acute & chronic suicidality.