ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To replicate previous research suggesting that impulsivity highly predicts current DIB(R) score and social functioning, with the additional inclusion of other measures, including defensive functioning. METHOD: Correlational analyses between impulsivity and other measures, and regression analyses with DIB(R) and SAS-SR as outcome measures, and impulsivity and other measures as predictor variables, were performed on data derived from n = 57 initially borderline personality disorder (BPD) subjects recruited as part of a 7-year follow-up study of BPD. RESULTS: Data showed strong correlations between the elements of impulsivity described previously and defensive functioning. The initial study results were repeated, and only a minor contribution from defensive functioning additionally contributed to the regression models. No other variables entered the model, unless anger was dropped from the variables entered into the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results may contribute to a better definition of the term "impulsivity" as related to BPD, and may lead to further, improved research into the cause, treatment, and prognosis of BPD.
Subject(s)
Borderline Personality Disorder/psychology , Defense Mechanisms , Impulsive Behavior/psychology , Borderline Personality Disorder/diagnosis , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Impulsive Behavior/diagnosis , Male , Patient Admission , Personality Assessment/statistics & numerical data , Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Regression Analysis , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
This study examines the course of illness and stability of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a group of inpatients seen at a two-year follow-up. The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, as established by the use of the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines, did not change in 39 of the 65 subjects (60%) studied. Subjects who continued to show evidence of borderline psychopathology experienced more acute episodes of illness during the follow-up period and tended to be more involved in substance abuse. Impulsiveness and young age when first psychiatric care was received significantly predicted the presence of BPD features at follow-up.
