Familial transmission of borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Background: In recent years studies have shown consistent indications that maternal borderline personality disorder (BPD) puts children at risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems as well as for showing BPD-specific symptoms themselves in adolescence. Objective: This article reviews factors contributing to the familial transmission of BPD and provides implications for practice derived from these findings. Material and methods: Based on a comprehensive literature search current empirical findings on the familial transmission (mother to child) of BPD were aggregated and core findings were integrated into a transmission model. Results: The transmission model postulated in this study shows a complex interplay of different influencing factors and mechanisms of transmission. In addition to mother- and child-related risk factors, external factors are integrated into the model. Furthermore, different mechanisms of transmission are emphasized: (epi)genetic and prenatal influences, the importance of mother-child interaction, familial and social resp. societal influences. A potential preventive effect of the welfare system is postulated. Conclusion: Possible implications are derived from the model that could help to reduce vulnerability and stress factors and thus promote healthy development of children in this high-risk group.