Treating Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most commonly diagnosed personality disorder in clinical populations. However, the symptoms of BPD overlap with other mood disturbances, making misdiagnoses a possibility even by seasoned mental health professionals. This article focuses on the reasons for BPD misdiagnosis and how clinicians can avoid misdiagnosing patients, concluding with a discussion on treatment approaches for children and adolescents who are exhibiting symptoms. Copyright 2025.

After reading the CE Corner article, you will be asked to complete a “Commitment-to-Change” (CTC) exercise. The CTC exercise is designed to help facilitate the translation of your learning into practice. Completion of the CTC is required prior to the completion of the CE Test based on the APA Monitor CE Corner article.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

New York state psychologists: This program is not currently in compliance with the unique requirements imposed by the New York State Board of Education for New York licensed psychologists CE.

• Name the nine criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) and how many a patient needs to exhibit to receive a diagnosis of BPD.
• Explain why BPD is commonly misdiagnosed and how clinicians can avoid misdiagnosis and best treat symptoms.
• Describe the treatment approach for children and adolescents who are exhibiting symptoms of BPD.

Alyson Powell Key