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Current Psychiatry Reports
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports 1/2010

01-02-2010

An Attachment Perspective on Borderline Personality Disorder: Advances in Gene–Environment Considerations

Authors: Howard Steele, Larry Siever

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Accumulating evidence points to severe relationship dysfunction as the core epigenetic expression of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In adulthood, BPD is typified by disorganization within and across interpersonal domains of functioning. When interacting with their infants, mothers with BPD show marked withdrawal and frightening or frightened behavior, leading to disorganized infant–mother attachments. Linked to both infant disorganization and BPD is a maternal state of mind typified by unresolved mourning regarding past loss or trauma. Early risk factors for BPD in adulthood include maternal withdrawal in infancy and separation of 1 month or more from mother in the first 5 years of life. Likely contributing biological factors include genes linked to dopamine, serotonin, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and neuropeptides. The complex gene-environment picture emerging confers risk or protection against BPD pathology in ways consistent with infants varying biological sensitivity to context. This line of research may refine early risk assessment and preventive mental health services.
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Metadata
Title
An Attachment Perspective on Borderline Personality Disorder: Advances in Gene–Environment Considerations
Authors
Howard Steele
Larry Siever
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0091-0

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