Developed by Mental Health Professionals
This screening tool was developed under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Smith, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in personality disorders with over 15 years of experience in mental health assessment and treatment.
About This Quick Screening
This screening tool is designed to help you understand potential symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) based on the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
What You Should Know:
- This screening consists of 15 carefully selected questions based on DSM-5 criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder.
- Questions are organized by symptom categories for a focused assessment.
- There are no right or wrong answers - respond honestly based on your experiences.
- You can change your answers before submitting the screening.
- Your responses are confidential and will not be shared without your consent.
- The screening takes approximately 5-7 minutes to complete.
Understanding the Results:
Your results will provide a preliminary indication of potential BPD symptoms. However, it's important to note that:
- This is not a diagnostic tool
- Only a qualified mental health professional can provide an official diagnosis
- Results should be discussed with a healthcare provider
- High scores may indicate the need for professional evaluation
DSM-5 Criteria for BPD
The following table outlines the nine diagnostic criteria for BPD according to the DSM-5. Our screening questions are designed to assess these criteria:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Fear of Abandonment | Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment |
| 2. Unstable Relationships | Pattern of unstable and intense relationships |
| 3. Identity Disturbance | Markedly unstable self-image or sense of self |
| 4. Impulsivity | Impulsive behavior in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging |
| 5. Suicidal Behavior | Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats |
| 6. Affective Instability | Emotional instability due to marked reactivity of mood |
| 7. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness | Chronic feelings of emptiness |
| 8. Inappropriate Anger | Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger |
| 9. Stress-Related Paranoia | Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms |
Professional Endorsement
"This screening tool has been carefully developed to align with current diagnostic criteria and best practices in mental health assessment. While it's not a substitute for professional diagnosis, it can be a valuable first step in understanding potential symptoms."
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Important Medical Disclaimer
This screening is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 immediately.
This tool was last reviewed and updated by our medical team on .