Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:596-602
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Borderline syndromes in childhood: criteria for diagnosis
JR Bemporad, HF Smith, G Hanson and D Cicchetti
There is currently a great deal of confusion regarding the diagnostic
status of children with borderline disorders and a tendency to apply
criteria for borderline adults to the diagnosis of these children without
allowing for developmental differences. On the basis of their experience
with 24 latency-age children, the authors propose diagnostic criteria in an
effort to establish a uniformity in the diagnosis of these children. Major
areas of psychopathology include fluctuation of functioning, nature and
extent of anxiety, thought content and processes, relationships to others,
and lack of control. The authors also found a high frequency of organic
impairment, physical abuse, and familial disturbance.
