Borderline pathology in children and adolescents

Mental health nurses have historically been pessimistic about and often unsympathetic towards clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. By the time these clients reach adult mental health services their behaviours are often difficult to manage and they often suffer significant re-victimization by health services. Questions need to be raised about how best to avert the consolidation of the problems associated with the disorder. This paper explores the concept of 'borderline pathology' in children and adolescents and examines the best available evidence for utilizing an early identification and intervention model for children and adolescents who exhibit this constellation of symptoms.