Diagnosis and dilemma: Clinician experiences of the use of 'borderline personality disorder' diagnosis in children and adolescents.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis in adolescents is a relatively recent concept and a fast-emerging research area. Regarded by some as controversial, it is important for research to provide greater understanding of differing perspectives and their impact on the use of this diagnosis. Perspectives of 13 clinicians (therapists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses) were explored, to provide a contemporary understanding of perceptions and use of BPD diagnosis within child and adolescent mental health services in England.