BPD has nine diagnostic criteria as listed in the DSM-5. BPD is diagnosible upon meeting 5 out of the 9
criteria.
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterised by alternating between
extremes of idealisation and devaluation
Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g. spending, sex, substance
abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)
Recurrent suicidal behaviour, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behaviour
Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g. intense episodic dysphoria, irritability
or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
Chronic feelings of emptiness
Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g. frequent displays of temper, constant
anger, recurrent physical fights)
Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms