Borderline Personality Disorder - Prognosis

Prognosis

Data indicate that people with BPD often make good progress. Around a third (depending on criteria used) of people diagnosed with BPD achieve remission within a year or two. A longitudinal study found that, six years after being diagnosed with BPD, 56% had good psychosocial functioning compared to 26% at baseline. While vocational achievement was generally more limited even compared to those with other personality disorders, those whose symptoms had remitted were significantly more likely to have a good relationship with a spouse/partner and at least one parent, good work/school performance, a sustained work/school history, good global functioning and good psychosocial functioning.

Another study found that ten years from baseline (during a hospitalization), 86% of patients had sustained remission of symptoms, with around half achieving recovery defined as being free of symptoms and achieving certain levels of both social and vocational functioning.

Particular difficulties have been observed in the relationship between some care providers and some individuals diagnosed with BPD. A majority of psychiatric staff report finding individuals with BPD moderately to extremely difficult to work with, and more difficult than other client groups. Some clients feel a diagnosis is helpful, allowing them to understand they are not alone, and to connect with others who have BPD and who have developed helpful coping mechanisms. On the other hand, some with the diagnosis of BPD have reported that the term "BPD" felt like a pejorative label rather than a helpful diagnosis, that self-destructive behaviour was incorrectly perceived as manipulative, and that they had limited access to care. Attempts are made to improve public and staff attitudes.