The Use of the Term ‘Borderline Patient’ by Scottish Psychiatrists: A Preliminary Survey

SummaryOne hundred and sixty Scottish psychiatrists complete a questionnaire eliciting the extent of their use of the term ‘borderline patient’ and the factors affecting this. The term was used by 27.5 per cent, the majority of whom felt that it ought to be included in current diagnostic classification systems. There was, however, general dissatisfaction with the vagueness of current definitions of the term and a confusing use of numerous diagnostic labels.Use of the term was not related to status, geographical location, or familiarity with American psychiatric literature. The practice of psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy and extended working contact with psychiatry in North America were found significantly to increase its use.