Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized as a psychological disorder with a characteristic pervasive pattern of instability in affect regulation, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and occupational attainment. Patients with BDP are often depicted as difficult because of aggressive outbursts, health-sabotaging behaviors, and high healthcare utilization. Despite that several evidence-based psychotherapies are recommended for BPD, neither psychotropic drugs nor medications for this condition have been approved by the FDA and none are known to be efficient treatments. Moreover, it is unclear how satisfactorily clinical—or research—diagnoses actually capture the experiences of African Americans who identify with BPD. Further research and development of care pathways for African Americans with BPD would help to ensure available resources are used effectively and services are suited to their specific needs.