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Gene-Environment Studies and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Review

  • Personality Disorders (C Schmahl, Section Editor)
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Abstract

We review recent gene-environment studies relevant to borderline personality disorder, including those focusing on impulsivity, emotion sensitivity, suicidal behavior, aggression and anger, and the borderline personality phenotype itself. Almost all the studies reviewed suffered from a number of methodological and statistical problems, limiting the conclusions that currently can be drawn. The best evidence to date supports a gene-environment correlation (rGE) model for borderline personality traits and a range of adverse life events, indicating that those at risk for BPD are also at increased risk for exposure to environments that may trigger BPD. We provide suggestions regarding future research on GxE interaction and rGE effects in borderline personality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO, USA

    Ryan W. Carpenter, Rachel L. Tomko & Timothy J. Trull

  2. VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Dorret I. Boomsma

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  1. Ryan W. Carpenter
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  2. Rachel L. Tomko
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  3. Timothy J. Trull
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  4. Dorret I. Boomsma
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Correspondence to Timothy J. Trull.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Personality Disorders

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Carpenter, R.W., Tomko, R.L., Trull, T.J. et al. Gene-Environment Studies and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 15, 336 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0336-1

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