Like many psychiatric diagnoses, borderline personality disorder is overrepresented among justice-involved individuals. Symptoms are psychologically painful and destructive, and the diagnosis carries a stigma of being particularly challenging and treatment-resistant. Understanding the underlying contributory factors to developing this disorder allows clinicians to take a trauma-responsive approach, assessing the complex trauma that often accompanies the diagnosis. This overview of borderline personality disorder provides tools for assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment through a trauma-informed lens. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe the major clinical features of borderline personality disorder, including diagnostic and behavioral components 
• Articulate a trauma-responsive conceptualization of borderline personality disorder 
• Examine resources, tools, and evidence-based practices for treatment of borderline personality disorder 

Level: Basic