Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition marked by intense and unstable emotions, relationships, and self-image, along with impulsivity and fear of abandonment.

Definition

BPD involves pervasive instability in mood, self-image, and relationships, with impulsivity and sensitivity to perceived rejection. Symptoms often emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. It is treatable, particularly with structured therapies. Screening tools like the MSI-BPD and BSL-23 measure symptoms; diagnosis requires clinical assessment.

What it can feel like

Rapid, intense mood shifts.
Fear of abandonment and unstable relationships.
Impulsive or self-damaging behaviors.
A shifting or unclear sense of self.

Related screening tests on LuriaLab

Instrumento de Evaluación de McLean para el Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad (MSI-BPD)
Lista de Síntomas Borderline (BSL-23)

Related glossary terms

Preguntas frecuentes

Is BPD treatable?

Yes. Evidence-based therapies such as DBT can significantly help. Many people improve substantially over time.

What MSI-BPD score suggests further evaluation?

Answering "yes" to 7 or more of the 10 items is the common screening threshold. A clinician confirms any diagnosis.

Sources

Zanarini MC, et al. MSI-BPD
NICE — borderline personality disorder guidance

Last reviewed: 2026-07-02. Screening tools on LuriaLab are for education only and do not provide a diagnosis.