DSM IV Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.

2. a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation

3. identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self

4. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.

5. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior

6. affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria (dysphoric means 'generalized feeling of distress'), irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)

7. chronic feelings of emptiness.

8. inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)

9. transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.



Borderline Personality Disorder ** A Must-Read Page ** A very easy to read and informative page on BPD, including traits and the criteria used for diagnosis.

Criteria for Diagnosis of BPD - * Recommended Page * The good thing about this page is that below the criteria, it has an explanation for each one.
Short Article on Borderline Personality Disorder - Only touches on the basics, but is fairly easy to read, and gets to the point.
Borderline Personality Disorder Links - loads of good BPD resources.
Borderline Sanctuary - If you need support, you can find it here.
BPD Myths
An Overview of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder - An informative article on DBT Therapy for Borderline paitients, including details on what the Therapy specifically looks at, and statistics on how well it treats the disorder.
Short Page on what DBT Therapy is. - Read this if you found the above link too complicated.