The aetiological and psychopathological validity of borderline personality disorder in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Controversy surrounds the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in youth. This meta-analysis summarised evidence regarding the aetiological and psychopathological validity of youth BPD (the extent to which youth and adult BPD share common risk factors and psychopathology). We identified 61 studies satisfying predetermined inclusion criteria. Statistically significant pooled associations with youth (19. years of age and under) BPD were observed for sexual abuse (all youth: odds ratio. = 4.88; 95% confidence interval = 3.30, 7.21; children: OR = 3.97; 95% CI = 1.51, 10.41; adolescents: OR = 5.41; 95% CI = 3.43, 8.53); physical abuse (all youth: 2.79 [2.03, 3.84]; children: 2.86 [1..