A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of borderline personality disorder among men in the general population.

Due to conflicting evidence regarding gender-specific prevalence of borderline personality disorder (BPD), this systematic review aims to evaluate its occurrence in men within the general population to inform more responsive approaches in assessment and treatment. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Embase, and Web of Science for English-language publications between 1980 and 2023. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed studies reporting original prevalence data for BPD in men in the general population. Study quality was assessed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, and data were synthesized using quantitative methods including meta-analysis. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 2,027,764). Results indicated that the prevalence of BPD in men in the general population varied based on measurement method. Seven studies using clinical interviews reported a pooled prevalence of 0.9% and a men-to-women ratio of 43:100. In contrast, four studies using self-report measurements revealed a pooled prevalence of 8.1% and a men-to-women ratio of 73:100. The prevalence also differed according to sampling methods, participants age, as well as cultural and economic factors. This review suggests that BPD prevalence in men appears to vary according to multiple factors, with men meeting diagnostic criteria less frequently than women in the general population. The variations of prevalence may be influenced by gender bias in diagnostic criteria and clinical practice, as well as methodological and environmental factors. Future research should focus on refining measurement tools and improving clinical practice to better capture gender-specific and age-related manifestations of BPD, particularly across diverse cultural and economic contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).