[Differential diagnosis of psychotic symptoms in adolescents and young adults with borderline personality disorder].

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews findings and problems of differential diagnosis between Borderline personality disorders and schizophrenic illness in adolescents and young adults with psychotic symptoms.

METHOD: Therefore relevant especially psychodynamically oriented publications were analysed and related to clinical experiences.

RESULTS

Differential diagnostic classification of psychotic symptoms in this age group is difficult, especially when disorder criteria are not yet completely met. Differential diagnostic hints which can indicate severe adjustment problems, Borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia as well as specific diagnostic difficulties are presented in this paper.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-reasoned differential diagnosis reveals significant findings for treatment options.