Work

The role of impairments in self–other distinction in borderline personality disorder: A narrative review of recent evidence

Year: 2021

Type: review

Abstract: Impairments in maintaining a differentiated sense of "self" and "other" are thought to be a central feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, studies directly focusing on self-other distinction (SOD) in BPD are scarce, and these findings have not yet been integrated with novel insights into the neural mechanism involved in SOD. Here, we present a narrative review of recent behavioral and neuroimaging findings focusing on impairments in SOD in BPD. Behavioral findings of SOD at the embodied level provide preliminary evidence for impairments in multisensory integration in BPD. Furthermore, both behavioral and neuroscientific data converge to suggest that SOD impairments in BPD reflect an inability to shift between self and other representations according to task demands. Research also suggests that disruptions in infant-caregiver synchrony may play a role in the development of these impairments. Based on these findings, we present a new, integrative model linking impairments in SOD to reduced neural and behavioral synchrony in BPD. The implications of these findings for future research and clinical interventions are outlined.

Source: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.022

Authors: Celine De Meulemeester, Benedicte Lowyck, Patrick Luyten

Institutions: KU Leuven, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Personality Disorders and Psychopathology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,340