Description and prediction of the income status of borderline patients over 10 years of prospective follow-up

Abstract

Background: Research shows that individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder are economically disadvantaged, but longitudinal data is lacking.

Aim: This study examined the income of borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients and axis II comparison subjects over 10 years of follow-up and assessed predictors of income among BPD patients.

Method: Data on income was obtained for 264 BPD patients and 63 axis II comparison subjects at 6-year follow-up and for surviving patients at five follow-up waves. Baseline and time-varying predictors of income were assessed using information from interviews and self-report measures.

Results: Regardless of diagnosis, a greater proportion of people shifted into the higher income groups over time. Being in a higher income group was more likely to happen and happened more rapidly for axis II comparison subjects than for BPD patients. Results regarding the BPD patients indicated that childhood emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse were associated with a greater likelihood of being in a lower income group, whereas years of education and a higher IQ were associated with a greater likelihood of being in a higher income group.

Conclusion: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients show enduring lowered economic functioning. Their economic functioning seems to be negatively affected by childhood emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse but positively affected by years of education and IQ. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.