The borderline diagnosis III: Identifying endophenotypes for genetic studies

Larry J. Siever, Svenn Torgersen, John G. Gunderson, W. John Livesley, Kenneth S. Kendler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

178 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although it is generally acknowledged that borderline personality disorder (BPD) has a complex, multifactorial etiology with interacting genetic and environmental substrates, the specific genetic underpinnings of this disorder have not been extensively investigated. Family aggregation studies suggest the heritability for BPD as a diagnosis, but the genetic basis for this disorder may be stronger for dimensions such as impulsivity/aggression and affective instability than for the diagnostic criteria itself. Family, adoptive, and twin studies also converge to support an underlying genetic component to the disorder. An endophenotypic approach to defining the genetics of this complex disorder may be called for. Twin studies in an epidemiologic, non-clinically ascertained sample using both diagnostic measures and laboratory measures that can be operationalized, including neuropsychologic, psychophysiologic, and operationalized behavioral tests, may be useful. Large-scale family studies of clinically ascertained samples with careful diagnostic demarcation and measurement of endophenotypes in probands and relatives may also prove to be a promising approach. The use of laboratory paradigms for measures of aggression and affective instability are discussed in the context of such endophenotypic approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)964-968
Number of pages5
JournalBiological Psychiatry
Volume51
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jun 2002

Keywords

  • Borderline
  • Endophenotype
  • Familial
  • Genetic

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The borderline diagnosis III: Identifying endophenotypes for genetic studies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this