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Borderline personality disorder and couple dysfunctions

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Abstract

The central characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are bound to be associated with the development and maintenance of couple dysfunction. Although seven of the nine diagnostic criteria of BPD in the DSM-IV-TR refer directly to interpersonal functioning, very few empiric studies have addressed the exact nature of the relationship between BPD and couple functioning. This article examines recent studies describing couple outcomes—union formation and durability, partner choice, relationship satisfaction, intimate violence, attachment security, and sexual functioning—associated with BPD. The relationship between couple dynamics (including partner personality characteristics) and BPD symptomatology is probably bidirectional or reciprocal. The review concludes with an exploration of diagnostic and treatment implications.

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  1. Centre de Traitement Le Faubourg Saint-Jean, Programme-Clientèle des Troubles Sévères de la Personnalité du Centre, Hospitalier Robert-Giffard, 175 Rue Saint-Jean, 3e étage, Québec City, Québec, G1R 1N4, Canada

    Sébastien Bouchard

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  1. Sébastien Bouchard
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  2. Stéphane Sabourin
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Correspondence to Sébastien Bouchard.

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Bouchard, S., Sabourin, S. Borderline personality disorder and couple dysfunctions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 11, 55–62 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0009-x

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