Heterogeneity of Borderline Personality Disorder: do the Number of Criteria met Make a Difference?

The authors examined whether the severity of borderline personality disorder, as measured by the number of criteria present, is associated with comorbidity of Axis I & Axis II diagnoses, as well as demographic factors & psychosocial functioning. 2300 psychiatric outpatients were interviewed. Approximately 10% of the patients were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. There were greater rates of drug use disorders & comorbid Axis II disorders, as well as a greater number of suicidal gestures in patients meeting 7 or more borderline personality disorder criteria. Sub-typing of borderline patients by the number of criteria met provides a limited explanation for heterogeneity. (24 refs.)