Validity, utility and acceptability of borderline personality disorder diagnosis in childhood and adolescence: survey of psychiatrists

Aims and method To establish the views of child and adolescent psychiatrists ( n = 52) regarding the conceptual and empirical validity, clinical utility and acceptability of the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in child and adolescent populations. A questionnaire survey was carried out. Results The child and adolescent psychiatrists' perception of the validity of borderline personality disorder for adult populations was relatively high (82% felt it to be valid). Significantly fewer of those considered borderline personality disorder to be valid for adolescent populations (37%). Strikingly different results were obtained when the questions related to child (<12 years) populations (2%). Clinical implications Given the views expressed by these consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists, it would seem appropriate to approach with caution suggestions that the borderline personality disorder category should have extended use with adolescent and child populations.