BDSM and masochistic sexual fantasies in women with borderline personality disorder: simply on the spectrum of "normality" or source of suffering?

Background: Increasing research has contributed to the destigmatization of sadomasochistic sexual preferences. Nevertheless, persons diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) frequently report self-harmful masochistic sexual practice under the pretext of BDSM, especially those reporting experiences of child sexual abuse (CSA). Empirical research on sexual preferences in the context of BPD is scarce, although related sexual behaviors may matter particularly regarding dysfunctional and self-harming behaviors.

Borderline personality disorder and sexuality: causes and consequences of dissociative symptoms.

Background: Sexual risk behavior in patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is supposed to be associated with traumatic experiences and dissociative symptoms. Nevertheless, scientific research thereon is scarce which might be due to the high prevalence of sexual trauma and fear of overwhelming patients with explicit sexual content.

Methods: We investigated a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with BPD (n = 114) and compared them to a sample of matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 114) concerning the dissociative symptoms derealization, depersonalization, and conversion in sexual situations.

Delay discounting of protected sex and compulsive sexual behavior in women with borderline personality disorder.

Background And Aims: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Some individuals with BPD regularly engage in sexual risk behavior such as unprotected sex and are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. This study investigates discounting of condom- or dental dam-protected sex in women with BPD compared with a control group.