The authors describe the content, administration, reliability, construct
validity, and training requirements for a semistructured diagnostic
interview for borderline patients. The interview is composed of
operationally defined and scored variables that assess five areas of
functioning considered most characteristic of borderline patients-- social
adaptation, impulse/action patterns, affects, psychosis, and interpersonal
relations. Their results show that the interview provides a reasonably
constructed and reliable method for researchers and clinicians interested
in identifying the syndrome of borderline personality disorders. Although
existing research supports the clinical utility of defining borderline
patients with the diagnostic interview for borderline patients, both the
diagnosis and the content of the interview may require revisions.Abstract Teaser