Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in a Community Sample of Sexually and Gender Diverse Adults

The current study aimed to identify borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptom disparities in sexually and/or gender diverse adults, determine if BPD symptoms vary across sexual orientation and gender identity, and identify factors related to BPD symptoms in this population. A sample of 218 sexually and gender diverse adults completed measures for BPD symptoms and trauma/stressors. Results suggest that sexually and/or gender diverse adults scored higher on six of the nine diagnostic criteria for BPD and were likely to have a probable BPD diagnosis, although these disparities were not observed across groups. Factors such as age, abuse and neglect and stigmatizing events were associated with more BPD symptoms, although the relationship between stigma and BPD symptoms did not remain when controlling for other factors. Results suggest that sexual orientation and gender identity are important factors when investigating BPD, and stigma may in part account for this disparity, although future research is needed.