The need for early intervention RUNE JOHANSEN Johansen R. Childhood factors in the development of borderline personality disorder. The need for early intervention. Nord J Psychiatry 1992;46:393-398. Oslo. ISSN 0803-9488.Recent literature suggests a relationship between a childhood with abuse and neglect and a later development of borderline personality disorder. The general childhood atmosphere seems to be most important. This paper describes the symptom formation in abused children together with their relational problems. A possible relation between these children and "borderline children" is also delineated. The psychological changes in these children are portrayed from a relational point of view, which emphasizes their difficulties in establishing new relations. These children often enter a vicious circle in which they are rejected repeatedly when entering into different caring situations. Important factors in the care-taking and treatment of these children are considered, and both individual treatment and support of the care-givers are emphasized. The different factors are illustrated through a case study of a 6year-old child in psychotherapy. 0 Abuse, Borderline, Childhood, Treatment. Rune Johansen, M.D., assistentlege, Barne-og Ungdomspsykiatrisk Avdeling, Ullevil Sykehus, N-0407 Oslo, Norway: Accepted: 30 June 1992. Nord J Psychiatry Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Otago on 01/04/15 For personal use only. Nord J Psychiatry Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Otago on 01/04/15 For personal use only. Nord J Psychiatry Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Otago on 01/04/15 For personal use only. stad, M.D., and Ingrid Melle, M.D., for their valuable comments on previous drafts of the manuscript. Nord J Psychiatry Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Otago on 01/04/15For personal use only.