Citation

Sansone RA, Watts DA, Wiederman MW. Int. J. Psychiatry Clin. Prac. 2014; 18(2): 150-152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/13651501.2013.847107

PMID

24059849

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with high lifetime prevalence rates of substance abuse as well as higher-than-expected rates of charges for various drug-related crimes and criminal behavior in-general. However, whether criminal charges for assault and disorderly conduct are related specifically to drug misuse remains unknown--the focus of the present study.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional sample and a self-report survey methodology among a sample of 237 consecutive internal medicine outpatients, we examined: (1) BPD symptomatology using two self-report measures and (2) five charges for illegal behaviors defined as related to drugs.

RESULTS: While there were no between-group differences with regard to drug-abuse violations (i.e., possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs), compared with nonBPD participants, participants with BPD symptomatology were more likely to have been charged with assault related to drug use and disorderly conduct related to drug use as well as driving under the influence and drunkenness/public intoxication.

CONCLUSIONS: The criminal behaviors of assault and disorderly conduct observed in BPD appear to be related, at least in part, to comorbid substance abuse.

Language: en