I-A SPECIAL: A Mnemonic for DSM-5 Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

A mnemonic is developed to assist clinicians in recalling the diagnostic criteria for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). For each letter of the mnemonic a DSM-5 diagnostic criterion is described. The mnemonic statement was designed to portray some of the unique facets of patients who suffer from BPD and to reflect a positive and optimistic view of this difficult disorder. It is hoped that clinicians who treat patients with BPD would find the suggested mnemonic helpful in assisting them in recalling the nine DSM-5 diagnostic criteria of BPD.