Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by pervasive instability in affect regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and impulse control. Etiology includes genetic vulnerability, early-life trauma, attachment disruptions, and neurobiological dysregulation in frontolimbic circuits. Clinically, patients present with emotional lability, intense interpersonal conflicts, recurrent self-harm or suicidal behaviors, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Diagnosis is based on longitudinal assessment of DSM-5 criteria, considering symptom severity and functional impairment. Management requires dialectical behavior therapy, schema-focused therapy, pharmacologic interventions for comorbid conditions, and crisis planning. Prognosis varies, with sustained psychotherapy improving symptom stability and social functioning.