Like other conditions, borderline personality disorder has its own specific set of diagnostic criteria in the DSM.

The nine criteria for BPD are:

How many criteria do you need for BPD?

A diagnosis requires experiencing at least five of the above symptoms.

Patient during psychoanalysis session

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If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Mind Doc Guide

Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.

How Were the BPD Criteria Established?

Many of the workgroup members are considered preeminent BPD researchers and work directly with BPD patients.

The symptom criteria were established based on the best research available.

The symptom criteria for BPD in the new version remained the same as the previous version, DSM-IV.

How Is BPD Diagnosed?

A completeassessment for BPDmay include several components.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have BPD?

If you think you may have BPD, the first step is to find amental health professional.

Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.

Treatments for BPD

In the past, BPD was believed to be very difficult to treat.

Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment are the first steps toward retaking control over your symptoms.

Association AP.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.

  1. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.

2012;2012(8):CD005652.