NEURO-FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY IN BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

BAGCHI P.¹*, PREETI R.², VERMA T.K.³, SUSHMA N.⁴, SOMASHEKHAR R.^5
1Azyme Biosciencs Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore- 560 069, Karnataka, India.
²Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai- 600 101, TN, India.
³Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi, Wardha- 442 005, MS, India.
⁴Sri Chennakeshava Swami Girls High School, Hassan- 573 201, Karnataka, India.
⁵Azyme Biosciencs Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore- 560 069, Karnataka, India.
* Corresponding Author : preenonb@yahoo.com

Received : 22-11-2013     Accepted : 24-12-2013     Published : 31-12-2013
Volume : 4     Issue : 1       Pages : 46 - 53
Neurosci Res Lett 4.1 (2013):46-53

Keywords : Borderline personality disorder, Neurobiology, Forensics, Psychology, Polymorphism, Neurotransmitters, Amygdala, Prefrontal cortex, Serotonin, Dopamine
Conflict of Interest : None declared

Objective: Understanding the psychological, neurobiological & genetic factors underlying BPD and the role of a Forensic Psychology professional in handling a BPD-client. Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unusual variability and depth of mood, affecting cognition and interpersonal relationships. This disorder is only recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (Text Revision) (DSM-IV-TR). Findings: Although there is no specific cause for BPD, it is understood to be the result of a combination of biological vulnerabilities, ways of thinking, and social factors (biopsychosocial model). Cortisol production has been found elevated in the BPD-individuals, indicating a hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis in them. This area in brain regulates emotions and integrates thoughts and emotions. Neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine have been implicated in the regulation of impulses and aggression and their effects have role a significant role in the development of BPD. The identification and recognition of susceptibility genes (like COMT) and polymorphisms in psychiatric diseases may help to identify individuals at risk, in order to establish an appropriate preventive approach against BPD. People experiencing traumatic life events in childhood are at increased risk of developing BPD. Psychotherapy approaches like dialectical behavior therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy is found to be helpful in treating BPD. Forensic criminal evaluations should consider the broad context of symptoms and behavior since it provides essential diagnostic information and key in diagnosing the presence of latent character disorders as seen in antisocial, narcissistic or borderline personality. Conclusion: Forensic psychology professionals while handling persons with BPD and related traits should be educated with personal and professional behavior of clients.

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