Neurocognitive deficits in borderline personality disorder: implications for treatment

• Published in: Psychodynamic psychiatry Vol. 40; no. 1; p. 91
• Main Author: Judd, Patricia A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Guilford Press 01.03.2012
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - complications; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - therapy; Borderline Personality Disorder - complications; Borderline Personality Disorder - psychology; Borderline Personality Disorder - therapy; Cognition Disorders - complications; Cognition Disorders - psychology; Cognition Disorders - therapy; Dissociative Disorders - complications; Dissociative Disorders - psychology; Fantasy; Humans; Learning Disorders - complications; Learning Disorders - psychology; Learning Disorders - therapy; Paranoid Disorders - complications; Paranoid Disorders - psychology; Projection; Psychotherapy - methods; Psychotic Disorders - complications; Psychotic Disorders - psychology
• ISSN: 2162-2590; 2162-2604
• DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2012.40.1.91

The cognitive dimension of Borderline Personality Disorder has received relatively little attention in the clinical literature and is poorly understood. This article illustrates how a range of cognitive problems including attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities may contribute to the cognitive disturbances identified in the disorder including dissociation, paranoia, all or nothing thinking, overvalued ideas, and denial and splitting. A review of relevant research supporting the presence of cognitive deficits is summarized along with a developmental pathway for the expression of the cognitive dimension. Clinical examples are provided. Recommendations for inclusion of assessment and treatment strategies that address cognitive deficits within a psychodynamically based psychotherapy are discussed.