[Borderline personality disorder in dermatology]

Author(s): Jasch K, Hermes B, Seikowski K, Harth W

Affiliation(s): Klinik fur Dermatologie und PhlebologieVivantes Klinikum, Berlin Friedrichshain, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Landsberger Allee 49, 10249 Berlin.

Publication date & source: 2008-04, Hautarzt., 59(4):304-7.

Publication type: Case Reports; Comparative Study; English Abstract

Borderline personality disorder is a syndrome of complex psychopathology which is not very common in dermatology. The emotional symptoms are broad and variable, but typically feature emotional instability, intense anger or lack of control of anger, impulsiveness, instabilities in self-perception, problems at work, chronic feelings of emptiness, unstable partnership relations and recurrent suicidal threats. Self-inflicted injuries are common and may lead patients to dermatologists. A 26-year old woman with borderline personality was hospitalized for neurosyphilis. During inpatient treatment she repeatedly cut herself with razor blades. This article highlights the diagnostic criteria and differential approach of the borderline personality disorder in order to facilitate early recognition and therapy.