The roots of borderline personality disorder in childhood and adolescence: A review of evidence from the standpoint of a mentalization based approach

The roots of borderline personality disorder in childhood and adolescence: A review of evidence from the standpoint of a mentalization based approach. - This paper presents an update, based on recently accumulated data, of the authors theoretical views regarding the nature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). They propose what they hope is a coherent, clinically relevant model of the condition. First, they review empirical evidence concerning the core features of BPD. They also discuss current diagnostic controversies associated with BPD, as these have important implications for developmental theories of BPD. Next, they review research concerning the developmental roots of BPD in infancy, focusing on the role of early attachment experiences and the development of mentalizing in both normal and disrupted development. They connect this to new information about the underlying neural and neurobiological processes involved. They add to this a focus on the emergence of sexuality and mentalizing in adolescence, which will also encompass a discussion of (relational) aggression, envy and jealousy, and their role in BPD. They close this paper with a discussion of the implications of this approach for the treatment of BPD.