Diagnosis
Borderline syndrome is diagnosed using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5). There are some semi-standardized tests in the form of interviews, which must be supported by clinical observations. The most important of these is the SKID-2 questionnaire, which can be used to survey 12 different personality disorders.
There are some concerns about diagnosing the syndrome in childhood or adolescence. Firstly, the validity of the diagnosis in children is controversial. Also, mood swings and disturbed self-esteem occur in adolescents in the normal course of puberty and personality development is not yet complete but still in progress, which is also one of the reasons why personality disorders were not diagnosed for a long time until after the age of 18.
The most important reason seems to be the feared social exclusion. An earlier diagnosis of the borderline syndrome is helpful for the patient, as early therapeutic intervention can have a positive influence on the course of the disease. In addition, several studies have shown that the symptoms of borderline syndrome are also present in adolescents and are not subject to the fluctuations mentioned above.
Forecast
The prognosis for borderline syndrome is quite favourable in the long term. Even if certain behaviours persist for a lifetime, studies have shown that, after 10 years, a large proportion of those affected no longer fall within the standard diagnostic criteria for borderline syndrome. A good prognosis, however, requires early detection and a successful therapy that is carried out without discontinuation. In the acute course of this syndrome, however, life-threatening situations can occur, since suicidal intentions play an important role in this disease and the probability of suicide is increased in borderline patients in contrast to the normal population.
Prophylaxis
As with many psychiatric illnesses, it is difficult for borderline syndrome to make statements about the right type of prophylaxis. It would be important for the children to counter the above-mentioned risk factors through family and social support and, if necessary, therapeutic help in the form of psychological (talk) therapy. For a successful early diagnosis, a social and personal sensitization for the disease pattern is necessary. TOP Topics in Psychiatry More topics on psychiatry can be found at Psychiatry A-Z. – Borderline symptoms
- Borderline Syndrome Causes
- Borderline Syndrome Partnership
- Borderline therapy
- Borderline test
- Borderline syndrome Relatives
- Causes of the Borderline Syndrome
- Stress Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder
- Depression
- Depression symptoms
- Mental illness
- Personality Disorder ̈rung
- Mood swings
