The DSM-III definition of borderline personality disorder emphasizes
affective symptoms. The authors hypothesized that depressed patients with
borderline personality disorder would be more likely to be suicidal than
those without this diagnosis. Of 53 inpatients treated for depression, 46
manifested personality disorders; borderline personality disorder was the
most prevalent axis II diagnosis. That borderline patients had more
complicated courses than the other depressed patients was evidenced by
their histories of suicidal behavior. Most patients diagnosed as having
borderline personality disorder continued to fulfill criteria for this
diagnosis even when suicide attempts were excluded as a diagnostic
criterion.Abstract Teaser