The borderline pathology as a level of personality organisation

The author reviews the history of the concept of borderline personality organisation, as it has developed through various clinical experiences with patients and in the diagnostic evaluation of personality. The article highlights well the importance of keeping in mind that borderline patients struggle with endless evolutionary problems. It criticises the narrow definition of borderline personality disorder as described in the DSM and argues that although this dichotomously based label has been helpful to researchers, a more dimensional and less categorical construct is of greater value to psychotherapy practitioners. Furthermore, the author outlines numerous mature mental and emotional functions that are missing or severely compromised in borderline personalities. A number of recent and appreciative approaches to the treatment of borderline patients are mentioned and are also highlighted several therapeutic implications that all have in common.