PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Borderline personality disorder most commonly occurs in late adolescence or young adulthood, while its most clear presentation appears in adulthood, upon completion of psychological maturation. The symptoms of the disorder are manifested by unstable affect, impulsive behaviour, identity disorder, unstable interpersonal relationships and possible errors in reality testing, which can all lead to significant difficulties in personal, familial, parental, social and work functioning. Frequent comorbidities (affective disorders, anxiety and substance abuse, etc.) are further aggravating factors in terms of prognosis. Etiological factors of the disorder are numerous and not well known, but present findings indicate that they include an interaction of biological predispositions and environmental factors. In the treatment and care of persons with borderline personality disorder, in addition to psychotherapy and sociotherapy (and pharmacotherapy if necessary), comprehensive psycho-social interventions are essential, where social workers play a key role. Timely identification of etiological factors and measures within the competence of social workers in the welfare system can contribute to the prevention of this personality disorder, while measures and interventions applied to the affected persons can contribute to their rehabilitation and well-being, as well as the well-being of their family members.