Beyond the Categorical Distinction Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder Through the Identification of Personality Traits Profiles.

Background: The relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and type-II bipolar disorder (BDII) is not clearly understood. Nevertheless, in clinical practice and research, most efforts focus on establishing a categorical distinction between the two. We propose using personality traits as a more informative strategy to describe them.

SERT and BDNF polymorphisms interplay on neuroticism in borderline personality disorder.

Objective: Genetic factors underlying different personality traits are not entirely understood, particularly how genes interact to modulate their effect. We studied 76 patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by extreme levels of personality traits, especially neuroticism (N), in which we genotyped two polymorphisms, the 5HTTLPR of the Serotonin transporter (SERT) gene, and the Val66Met of the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene.

Results: We found an association with SERT, where S-allele carriers had significantly higher levels of N than L-homozygous.

Fluoxetine response in impulsive-aggressive behavior and serotonin transporter polymorphism in personality disorder.

Background: Disturbances in central serotonin function have been implicated in impulsive and aggressive behavior. A deletion/insertion polymorphism within the 5-HT transporter promoter gene (5-HTTLPR) is thought to be associated with disturbed impulse control, anxiety, and depression. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is the primary action site for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Planning in borderline personality disorder: evidence for distinct subpopulations.

Objective: Borderline personality disorder is a severe mental disorder, whereas previous studies suggest executive functions may be impaired. The aim of this study was to evaluate executive planning in a sample of 85 individuals.

Methods: Planning was assessed by means of the Tower of London (Drexel University version) task.