A comparison of hospitalized and nonhospitalized borderline patients

Abstract

Hospitalized borderline patients (14) were compared with nonhospitalized patients (24) given the same diagnosis. Clinical features (29)of borderline patients were examined using the semi-structured Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines. Although a few specific differences emerged in such areas as drug abuse, self-mutilation and psychotherapy experience, both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients manifested characteristic borderline traits of disturbed impulse-action patterns, psychotic experiences, poor regulation of affect and disturbed interpersonal relationships. Hospitalized and nonhospitalized borderline patients may represent the same diagnostic entity.