Live webinar air date: September 4, 2026, 1 p.m., Eastern time
Date
CE credits
1.5
Exam items
9
Series
Description
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be reliably diagnosed in adolescence, and early identification is associated with reduced impairment and improved functional outcomes. Despite this, many clinicians remain hesitant to diagnose BPD in youth. This program addresses diagnostic challenges by teaching practical strategies to differentiate adolescent BPD from overlapping conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, and bipolar disorder. Participants learn to integrate multi-informant data and utilize empirically supported assessment instruments, including screening tools, diagnostic interviews, and standardized measures to assess for adolescent BPD. Case examples are used to facilitate applied practice in diagnostic formulation.
Learning objectives
- Display confidence the ability to accurately conceptualize and diagnose borderline personality disorder in adolescents using developmentally informed, evidence-based assessment practices.
- Discuss how to utilize clinical interviewing and validated psychological assessment tools to differentiate adolescent BPD from common adolescent differential diagnoses, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ASD, and other personality disorders.
Presenter
Rachel A. Grace, PsyD
A licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of high-acuity, diagnostically complex children and adolescents. During her fellowship in pediatric acute and intensive services, she designed and piloted a hospital-based clinic focused on early identification of emerging personality disorders. Her work emphasizes trauma-informed, collaborative care that empowers both patients and clinicians. Grace is passionate about reducing stigma around borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bridging the gap between research and practice in adolescent BPD treatment.
