The prediction of healthcare utilization by three self-report measures for borderline personality

Objective. In this study, we explored the ability of three self-report measures for borderline personality disorder (BPD) to predict psychiatric and medical (i.e. non-psychiatric) healthcare utilization. Methods. Using a sample of convenience and survey methodology, we asked participants (N=120) to complete the borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4), the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI), the McLean Screening Inventory for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD), and several variables relating to psychiatric and medical healthcare utilization. Results. The SHI demonstrated the greatest number of correlations with healthcare utilization, particularly with regard to psychiatric care. Conclusions. The SHI provides several functions for clinicians including the identification of self-harm behaviors, confirmation of the diagnosis BPD, and prediction of psychiatric healthcare utilization.