Differential diagnosis of psychotic symptoms in adolescents and young adults with borderline personality disorder

Objective: This paper reviews findings and problems of differential diagnosis between Borderline personality disorders and schizophrenic illness in adolescents and young adults with psychotic symptoms. Method: Therefore relevant especially psychodynamically oriented publications were analysed and related to clinical experiences. Results: Differential diagnostic classification of psychotic symptoms in this age group is difficult, especially when disorder criteria are not yet completely met. Differential diagnostic hints which can indicate severe adjustment problems, Borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia as well as specific diagnostic difficulties are presented in this paper. Conclusions: Well-reasoned differential diagnosis reveals significant findings for treatment options.