Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41390377›Full record

SynthesisBMC psychiatry2025

Re-examining the comorbidity between borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic narrative review.

McKenna O'Donnell, Paul S Links

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC psychiatry, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

McKenna O'DonnellDepartment of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
Paul S LinksDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 688 Queensdale Avenue E., Hamilton, ON, L8V 1M1, Canada. linksp@mcmaster.ca.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur, yet research on this comorbidity is limited. Recent advancements in this area have led to the emergence of new studies that provide insight into the relationship between these disorders, potential treatment interventions, and the ongoing debate surrounding the diagnosis of Complex PTSD. This review aims to examine these findings and evaluate whether they address key gaps identified in the review by Frías & Palma (Psychopathology 48(1):1–10, 2014).

methodsA literature search was conducted using Medline and PsycINFO databases covering the period from 2014 and 2024, using the following descriptors: ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’, ‘posttraumatic stress disorder’, ‘PTSD’, ‘borderline personality disorder’, and ‘BPD’.

resultsA total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria for examining this comorbidity, with the majority focusing on psychotherapy treatments. Consistent with previous findings, high comorbidity rates persist in clinical and community samples, and emotion dysregulation appears to be a core feature of BPD-PTSD. Contrary to common belief, a comorbid diagnosis of PTSD did not hinder treatment effectiveness, and individuals with a dual diagnosis showed improvements comparable to those with either disorder alone. Although some patients report increased distress or dysfunction, BPD-specific, trauma-focused, and integrated treatments are well-accepted in BPD-PTSD populations. While BPD-specific interventions are beneficial in managing BPD symptoms, evidence suggests that trauma-focused treatments are the most validated and central approaches for addressing this comorbidity. Incorporating emotion regulation techniques as strategies within or alongside trauma-focused treatments may further enhance outcomes for individuals with BPD-PTSD.

conclusionsOur review builds on evidence that this comorbidity is treatment responsive. Despite the expanding understanding of these co-occurring disorders, gaps in the literature prevail. Further research on the prevalence, course, and etiology is needed, as well as on the efficacy of psychopharmacology treatments and the underrepresentation of men in BPD-PTSD samples.

Indexed as

Borderline Personality DisorderStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticComorbidityHumansPsychotherapyBorderline Personality DisorderComorbidityComplex PTSDEmotion DysregulationPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Identifiers

PMID41390377
PMCPMC12817670

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.