The impact of borderline personality disorder on post-traumatic stress in the community: A study of health status, health utilization, and functioning☆

Abstract 

This study examines impairment and health status and resource utilization among individuals with and without borderline personality disorder (BPD), all of whom had post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Using data from the community-based Piedmont Health Survey, 150 adult respondents who had experienced clinically significant PTSS during their life were identified. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) Borderline Index was used to distinguish a subset of respondents who met criteria for BPD. Compared with adults with PTSS (n = 135), individuals with PTSS and BPD (PTSS-BPD) (n = 15) exhibited impaired health status and greater utilization of mental health services and psychotropic medications, as well as more functional impairment based on social, occupational, and early adverse life-event measures. Individuals with comorbid PTSS and BPD demonstrate greater overall impairment and usage of health care resources.

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