The Neurobiological Basis of Adolescent-onset Borderline Personality Disorder

Objective: Over the past two decades, neurobiological studies in adult onset borderline personality disorder have made important strides, but inquiry into adolescent-onset BPD is still in its infancy and our understanding of the neurobiology of adolescent BPD remains highly tentative. Methods: This paper highlights recent findings in genetics, neuroendocrinology and neuroimaging for adult and adolescent-onset BPD. Results: Neurobiological studies of adolescent-onset BPD to date have focused mainly on volumetric studies of various brain regions and measurements of HPA axis components, with comparatively few publications on brain functioning. Conclusion: Such information is essential to developing more effective screening, treatment and preventive strategies.