Borderline personality disorder and eating disorders: a trans-diagnostic approach to unravelling diagnostic complexity

Abstract

Objectives: This opinion paper considers co-morbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders and proposes that a trans-diagnostic approach looking at presenting problems and treatment approaches may be of value.

Conclusions: Trans-diagnostic elements can be identified across the two syndromes. Trans-diagnostic elements appear to include some shared aetiological factors as well as some shared syndromal components. The shared syndromal components include problems with affect, interpersonal problems, problems with self-concept and impulsivity. The pathoplastic effects of culture, attitudes to fatness and the neurobiology of starvation and/or restriction of intake are crucial to integrate into the understanding of co-morbidity of these two disorders. Trans-diagnostic approaches to treatment lead to trans-diagnostic improvements across the two disorders.

Keywords: CBT-E; borderline personality disorder; eating disorders; trans-diagnostic.