Discrete Subgroups of Adolescents Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Latent Class Analysis of Personality Features

Abstract

Research suggests that borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be diagnosed in adolescents and is marked by considerable heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify personality features characterizing adolescents with BPD and possible meaningful patterns of heterogeneity that could lead to personality subgroups. The authors analyzed data on 60 adolescents, ages 15 to 18 years, who met DSM criteria for a BPD diagnosis. The authors used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups based on the personality pattern scales from the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI). LCA indicated that the best-fitting solution was a two-class model, identifying two discrete subgroups of BPD adolescents that were described as internalizing and externalizing. The subgroups were then compared on clinical and sociodemographic variables, measures of personality dimensions, DSM BPD criteria, and perception of attachment styles. Adolescents with a BPD diagnosis constitute a heterogeneous group and vary meaningfully on personality features that can have clinical implications for treatment.

The relation between attachment, personality, internalizing, and externalizing dimensions in adolescents with borderline personality disorder

“…First, in a previous study (Ramos et al, 2014) using a latent class analysis, it was possible to observe that adolescent BPD could be understood within an internalizing/externalizing framework, which we intend to confirm in the current study using a structural equation model. Second, we will evaluate the association among personality traits, internalizing and externalizing dimensions, and attachment perception.…”

“…Considering the importance of simultaneously evaluating the symptomatic criteria and the underlying personality traits of adolescents with BPD, in a previous contribution we also established a connection of adolescent BPD with the internalizing/ externalizing model (Ramos, Canta, de Castro, & Leal, 2014). Through the use of a latent class analysis, we found two distinct adolescent BPD profiles, with significant differences at the level of personality traits, conceptualized in terms of internalizing and externalizing personality dimensions.…”

“…Through the use of a latent class analysis, we found two distinct adolescent BPD profiles, with significant differences at the level of personality traits, conceptualized in terms of internalizing and externalizing personality dimensions. The assessment of the BPD adolescents included other developmental measures that also yielded differences between the internalizing and externalizing subgroups, indicating possible developmental risk factors, with special relevance to attachment (Ramos et al, 2014).…”

Subgroups of Adolescent Girls With Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms

“…Given the importance of accurate identification of BPD, and recognizing the challenges of making this diagnosis in the midst of high comorbidity and self-injury in clinical samples, this study evaluated the presence of distinct profiles of BPD symptoms in 75 teenaged girls ( A similar approach has recently been applied to adolescents with BPD (Ramos, Canta, de Castro, & Leal, 2014). This study used LCA to identify subgroups within the sample based on personality traits.…”

“…Another study employing a latent class analysis on sixty adolescents diagnosed with BPD identified subgroups based on personality traits (Ramos, Canta, de Castro, & Leal, 2014). Across the sample, the BPD symptoms with the highest prevalence were impulsivity (96.7%), affect instability (98.3%) and anger (73.3%).…”