Physical and sexual abuse in adolescent girls with borderline personality disorder

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1990 Jan;60(1):55-66. doi: 10.1037/h0079175.

Abstract

Recent investigations suggest that a history of childhood sexual abuse may be associated with borderline personality disorder. This study compares a group of female adolescents diagnosed as borderline with a control group for history of physical and sexual abuse. History of both forms of abuse, particularly sexual, distinguishes the two groups. Results point to the impact of repeated trauma on character structure, cognitive functioning, and Axis II symptomatology.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incest / psychology
  • Personality Tests
  • Psychiatric Department, Hospital
  • Rejection, Psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology