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Signs of borderline personality disorder test


Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Test

Personality DisordersBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Complete the following to get an assessment on the likelihood that you or a loved one is displaying symptoms of borderline personality disorder. All results are completely private.

Medical ReviewerRandy Bressler, PsyD

Who Is This Borderline Personality Disorder Quiz For?

The questions below relate to life experiences common among people who have borderline personality disorder. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few weeks.

If you are taking the quiz for someone else such as a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, or child you should provide answers you think they'd supply. Ideally you'll have the loved one complete the test themselves and take the results to a doctor or licensed professional.

How Accurate Is It?

This quiz is NOT a diagnostic tool. Mental health disorders can only be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional or doctor.

Psycom believes assessments can be a valuable first step toward getting treatment. All too often people stop short of seeking help out of fear their concerns aren't legitimate or severe enough to warrant professional intervention.

Your privacy is important to us. All results are completely anonymous.

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Borderline Personality Disorder

How is borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosed?

There is no definitive test to diagnose borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is diagnosed through a clinical interview with a licensed mental health professional, explains Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

The mental health professional may ask the person to complete some assessment measures to aid in the diagnosis. They may also talk with the person’s previous health care providers, look at earlier medical evaluations, and conduct interviews with friends and family.1

Who can diagnose borderline personality disorder?

BPD is most often diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

What proportion of people with borderline personality disorder are women?

About 1.4% of adults in the U.S. have BPD1, and it is estimated that around 75% of those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are women.2 However, more recent research suggests that BPD may be equally as common in men, but is often misdiagnosed as another disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

How long does it take to diagnose borderline personality disorder?

Diagnosing BPD typically takes one or two sessions, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City. “However, because borderline personality disorder can be confused with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, unfortunately, getting the correct diagnosis can take some time,” he explains.

For example, a 2009 study found that 74% of the patients who met the criteria for the condition had never been diagnosed with BPD in the past, despite an average of more than 10 years since their first “psychiatric encounter.”3

Why are more women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder?

Some researchers think that there may be biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors that predispose women to BPD, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City. However, he explains, evidence also suggests that the difference may be accounted for by a “diagnostic gender bias.”

A diagnostic gender bias means that if the person is a woman, she is much more likely to receive the diagnosis of BPD than if she were a man reporting the same symptoms, Rego says.

What can borderline personality disorder be mistaken for?

The most common diagnoses that borderline personality disorder is mistaken for are bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

What are the criteria for borderline personality disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for a diagnosis. BPD is diagnosed on the basis of (1) a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect (the outward display of a person's emotional state, including their speech, body language, and gestures) and (2) marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by at least five of the following nine criteria:

  1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment; this does not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in criterion 5
  2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation
  3. Markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
  4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). This does not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in criterion 5.
  5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
  6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e. g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
  7. Chronic feelings of emptiness
  8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
  9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms

What does it feel like to have borderline personality disorder?

BPD is characterized by intense emotional highs and lows, and can make someone feel very anxious, depressed, and unstable, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

A person with BPD can have mood swings and unstable relationships. They tend to view things in extremes, as in all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can change quickly. For instance, they may see a person as a friend one day and an enemy the next. 1

Can BPD go away?

While BPD has historically been seen as a lifelong, very disabling mental health condition, recent research is challenging this assumption. Now it appears that there may be a positive trajectory over time, with many of the most troubling symptoms remitting during the first few years. Unfortunately, other symptoms may remain for longer periods.

Even though many psychotherapies have been developed to help people with BPD, long-term recovery in social functioning is still difficult for them, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, both in New York City.

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. Borderline Personality Disorder. Page Last Revised December 2017. Accessed June 7, 2021.
  2. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Borderline Personality Disorder. Page Last Reviewed December 2017. Accessed June 7, 2021.
  3. Myerson D et al. Is Borderline Personality Disorder Underdiagnosed? Abstract No. 51 of Scientific and Clinical Reports, American Psychiatric Association 162nd Clinical Meeting, May 2009, San Francisco, California.

Notes: This article was originally published June 27, 2022 and most recently updated June 28, 2022.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Test I Psych Central

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can affect every aspect of a person’s life because it affects how someone views themselves and behaves around other people.

Common symptoms of BPD can include an unstable self-image, distorted perception of relationships, and challenges regulating emotions and behaviors. BPD is one of 10 personality disorders.

Living with the symptoms of BPD can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan you can reduce your symptoms and live a happy and stable life. The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis.

This brief, time-saving questionnaire is designed for anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

The statements below will help you determine whether you may need additional help and professional support for your symptoms.

A mental health professional can also help you figure out if your issues might be a symptom of BPD and recommend treatment if needed.

This online screening is not a definitive tool. It’s not designed to diagnose BPD or take the place of a professional diagnosis.

You can, however, use this test as a self-screening tool to track your moods. It might also show your doctor how your symptoms have changed from one visit to the next.

Only a trained medical professional, such as a doctor or mental health professional, can help you determine the next best steps for you.

Instructions

For each statement, indicate how much you agree or disagree. This takes most people about 5 minutes to complete. Try to take your time and answer truthfully for the most accurate results.

Remember that this online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional, like a healthcare or mental health professional, can accurately diagnose a mental health condition.

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional, like a doctor or mental health professional, can help you determine the next best steps for you.

What are the nine criteria of BPD?

There are nine criteria symptoms of BPD. To be diagnosed with BPD, you must display at least five of the following symptoms:

  • viewing relationships in extremes (e.g., everything is either all good or all bad)
  • challenges controlling anger
  • frequent mood changes (i.e., periods of intense anger, depression, or anxiety)
  • recurrent suicidal ideation
  • chronic feelings of emptiness
  • acting impulsively in at least two ways that could be potentially harmful (e.g., spending money, substance use, reckless driving, or binge eating)
  • paranoia or dissociation, which is often brief and related to times of extreme stress
  • a lack of sense of self (e. g., a dramatic shift in big life aspects such as your career, life goals, or values)
  • fear of abandonment

How is BPD diagnosed?

If you think you may have BPD, a healthcare or mental health professional will conduct a psychological evaluation.

This assessment generally involves an interview, multiple questionnaires, and taking a medical history. A physical exam or bloodwork may also be done to rule out other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Can I self-diagnose BPD?

No. Only a healthcare or mental health professional can accurately diagnose a mental health condition.

What can trigger BPD?

There’s no single cause of BPD, which means many different factors can potentially cause it to develop.

Factors involve:

  • Genetics. Certain genes may make you more vulnerable to developing BPD.
  • The environment. Environmental triggers include experiencing childhood trauma.
  • Your brain. Abnormal brain structures may play a role.
  • Chemicals. Changes in neurotransmitter levels in your brain, especially serotonin, may be involved.

What is high functioning BPD?

If you have high functioning BPD — aka “quiet” BPD — you may try to hide your symptoms from others. You may direct your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors inward rather than outward so others can’t see them.

Quiet BPD isn’t an official clinical diagnosis but is instead considered a subtype of BPD.

Ready to start therapy? Our Find a Therapist resource may help.

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptom Test

Borderline Personality Disorder includes many different symptoms that in one way or another indicate the presence of this mental disorder. However, the severity of the disease and its symptoms can vary greatly.

This test incorporates the results of previous studies to ensure the validity and reliability of results for borderline personality disorder symptoms.

Do you have symptoms of borderline disorder? For each following statement, indicate how much you agree with it.

The Borderline Personality Disorder Test (IDR-BPDST) is owned by IDRlabs. It builds on the work of Dr. M. Zanarini and her colleagues who created the Mental Disorder Symptom Inventory (MSI-BPD). This test is not affiliated with any particular researcher or organization in the field of psychopathology.

The Borderline Personality Disorder Test is based on material that has been published in the following sources: Zanarini, Mary & Vujanovic, A & Parachini, Elizabeth & Villatte, Jennifer & Frankenburg, Frances & Hennen, John. (2003). A screening measure for BPD: The McLean screening instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD). Journal of personality disorders. 17.568-73. 10.1521/pedi.17.6.568.25355. Keng SL, Lee Y, Drabu S, Hong RY, Chee CYI, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Construct Validity of the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder in Two Singaporean Samples. J Pers Discord. 2019Aug; 33(4): 450-469. Epub 2018 Jun 27 PMID: 29949444. Kröger C, Huget F, Roepke S. Diagnostische Effizienz des McLean Screening Instrument für Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung in einer Stichprobe, die eine stationäre, störungsspezifische Behandlung in Anspruch nehmen möchte [Diagnostic Instrument for Diagnostic accuracy of the McLean borderline personality disorder in an inpatient sample who seek a disorder-specific treatment]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. Nov 2011; 61(11):481-6. German. Epub 2011 Nov 11 PMID: 22081467.

The work of Dr. Zanarini and her colleagues looks at the main symptoms that are characteristic of borderline personality disorder. This paper also describes certain diagnostic criteria that have been used in the studies. This test provides information for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and this test are in no way affiliated with the above researchers, organizations or institutions.

The borderline personality disorder symptom test relies on known research on the condition and other psychiatric disorders. However, all free online tests like this one are only introductory materials that will not be able to determine your inherent qualities with absolute accuracy and reliability. Therefore, our test provides information for educational purposes only. Detailed information about your mental state can only be provided by a certified specialist. nine0003

As the authors of this free online borderline personality disorder symptom ratio test, we have made every effort to ensure that this test is reliable and valid through numerous tests and statistical data controls. However, free online tests like this provide information "as is" and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more information about our online tests, please see our Terms of Service. nine0003

3 Minute Borderline Personality Disorder Test

Instructions: Below you will find statements describing the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Please read all of the following statements carefully and indicate to what extent they apply to you.

3 Minute Borderline Disorder Test (IDR-3MBPDT) developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-3MBPDT test is based on the scientific work of Dr. Mary S. Zanarini, who developed a screening test for symptoms of borderline personality disorder. This test is in no way affiliated with any particular psychopathology research or institution. nine0010

The IDRlabs 3-minute borderline test is based on research by Dr. Zanarini: Zanarini, M.C., Vujanovic, A.A., Parachini, E.A., Boulanger, J.L., Frankenburg, F.R., & Hennen, J. (2003). A screening measure for BPD: the McLean screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (MSI-BPD). Journal of Personality Disorders, 6, pp.568-73; Soler, J., et al. (2016). Validation of the Spanish version of the McLean screening instrument for borderline personality disorder. Revisita de Psiquiatra y Salud Mental. nine(4):195-202. doi: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2016.03.002; Zanarini, M.C. (2008). McLean screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (MSI-BPD). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Dr. Zanarini's work also provided information on some diagnostic criteria in the form of a widely used borderline symptom questionnaire. It is intended for clinical use by qualified mental health professionals. Our test provides information for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and this borderline symptom test are in no way affiliated with the above researchers, organizations or institutions. nine0003

The Borderline Symptom Test is based on the well-known and well-established clinical assessment of borderline symptoms. However, please note that all free online tests like this one are for informational purposes only and will not be able to determine your symptoms with absolute accuracy and certainty. Therefore, our test provides information for educational purposes only. Detailed information about your mental state can only be provided by a certified specialist. nine0003

As the authors of the 3-Minute Borderline Test to determine if you are prone to borderline or similar personality disorders, we have made every effort to ensure that this test is reliable and valid through numerous tests and statistical data control.

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