Commentary: Bringing together lived experience, clinical and research expertise - a commentary on the May 2022 debate (should CAMH professionals be diagnosing personality disorder in adolescence?)

Abstract

Background: There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD, or similar Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, EUPD) construct is harmful. We provide a commentary on the ideas expressed in the May Debate issue, highlighting both concerns and alternatives.

Method: We bring together lived experience, clinical and research expertise. This commentary was written collaboratively drawing on all these sources of evidence.

Results: We outline evidence that the BPD construct is invalid, harmful, not necessary for effective treatment and a potential block to the development and evaluation of alternatives.

Conclusions: We ask readers to consider these concerns, perspectives and ideas.

Keywords: Borderline; adolescence; mental health; personality disorder.