Joan Haliburn
University of Sydney, Australia
Title: Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents–aetiology, manifestations & management
Biography
Biography: Joan Haliburn
Abstract
Adolescence is characteristically seen as a time of turmoil and change; however, those who are resilient will swim throughrnthis tide of difficulty, while others will show worsening features of disorder and difficulty. It is important that we distinguishrn psychopathology from normative development in this age group. Adolescents are not exempt from personality disturbance, asrnwe see in routine clinical practice. Early diagnosis is important if we are to stave off more serious difficulties in adolescents sornaffected, in order to reduce morbidity and associated mortality. Borderline personality disorder does exist in adolescence, andrnis endorsed by the DSM task force and has been included since DSM-1V-TR. Inflexible, maladaptive, chronic ways of thinking,rnfeeling and behaving with difficulties in affect regulation and identity disturbance lead to significant functional impairmentrnand chronic distress. Regardless of age, the required criteria when met should prompt us to make the diagnosis and institutern appropriate treatment. There is often significant discussion among different sections of the mental health community who wishrnto avoid pathologizing what may seem to be difficult behavior in adolescence; however the diagnosis of BPD in adolescencernhas important advantages when clinically appropriate. Earlier diagnosis leads to earlier interventions and therefore decreasesrnin associated morbidity. The first manifestations of the disorder occur in adolescence or early adulthood. Management mustrnaddress stabilization, affective disturbance, identity difficulties and interpersonal relationships, and a range of therapeuticrnendeavors may be employed and pharmacotherapy is useful when indicated. Early intervention is the key phrase.