Clinical Symptoms and Personality Traits of Inpatients With Borderline Personality Disorder in Iran

Objectives This study aims to examine the clinical symptoms and personality traits of inpatients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in Iran. Additionally, it seeks to investigate differences in the prevalence of BPD symptoms, comorbid personality disorders, and personality traits between male and female inpatients. Methods This is a cross-sectional study on 87 patients diagnosed with BPD hospitalized in three psychiatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The frequency of clinical symptoms and comorbidity with other personality disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Screening Personality Questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders. In addition, personality traits were evaluated using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The most common clinical symptoms were emotional swings (95.4%), shifting self-image (95.4%), and explosive anger (93.1%), while paranoia/transient dissociation (59.8%) had the lowest prevalence rate. Also, narcissistic (51%), paranoid (51%), and antisocial (33%) personality disorders were the most common comorbid personality disorders. There was no significant difference in BPD symptoms and comorbid personality disorders between males and females. The attention-seeking trait was significantly higher in females (F-(1,F-85) =4.44, P=0.038), while grandiosity was significantly higher in males (F-(1,F-85) =5.39, P=0.023). Conclusion Emotional dysregulation is the main characteristic of hospitalized patients with BPD in Iran. The male and female BPD inpatients have similar comorbid personality disorders and clinical symptoms.