Sex and age differences in symptoms in borderline personality symptomatology.

OBJECTIVE

Variations in the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) as a function of sex and age remain unclear. In this study, we examined sex and age differences with regard to various symptoms encountered in BPD.

METHODS

Using a compilation of four samples, all cross-sectional from the same recruitment site and with identical self-report measures for borderline personality symptomatology (BPS), we examined sex- and age-related differences with regard to borderline personality among 1,503 primary care patients.

RESULTS

Men and women did not differ significantly in their overall scores or rates of BPS. With regard to sex differences in symptoms among respondents with substantial BPS, engagement in sexually abusive relationships was more common among women than men. Overall scores and rates of BPS were greater among younger respondents compared to older respondents. With regard to age differences among those with substantial BPS, self-cutting and scratching were more common in younger individuals whereas finding life dull and meaningless was more common among older individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

There appear to be few overall symptomatic differences among individuals with borderline personality with regard to sex and age.