A comparison of borderline with depressed and schizophrenic patients on a new diagnostic interview

Recent advances in the scientific study of borderline disorders have produced reliable diagnostic criteria and an objective interview assessment method. To prove validity, however, the diagnostic criteria must discriminate the borderline syndrome from closely related disorders. In an effort to identify such distinguishing features, we have compared criteria—defined borderline patients with schizophrenic and depressed controls using Gunderson's Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines. In contrast to controls, borderline patients were characterized by patterns of impulsive, self destructive behavior, angry and depressive mood states, brief psychotic episodes, and unstable interpersonal relationships. These findings provide a data base for future tests of concurrent and construct validity of the diagnostic criteria for borderline disorders.