Suicidality in Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Recent research on the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and suicidal behavior is reviewed. Risk factors for attempted and completed suicide as well as the effect of the comorbidity of BPD with other Axis I and II disorders are considered. Explanations for suicidality in BPD are discussed. General assessment strategies are offered, along with treatment recommendations. Specifically, research has shown that borderline patients improve in the long-term, decreasing in suicidality, self-destructiveness, and interpersonal maladjustment, if survival is effectively managed during the turbulent years of youth. Clinical lore at times can lead clinicians to disregard the danger of suicide completion among chronically parasuicidal patients, which can prevent effective intervention during suicidal crises and result in unfortunate outcomes.