The Borderline Syndrome: Evolution of the Term, Genetic Aspects, and Prognosis

Abstract

“Borderline” has been used to designate conditions intermediate between psychosis and neurosis, analyzability and nonanalyzability; also, for dilute or questionable schizophrenia. Contemporary usage inclines toward patients with manic-depressive heredity, although borderlines are still etiologically heterogeneous. Various subtypes are outlined, each responsive to a particular method of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. If drug-abuse or antisocial tendencies are absent, prognosis is of ten favorable.