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

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. Copyright (C) 2002 by WB. Saunders Company.