Narcissistic, Antisocial, and Noncomorbid Subgroups of Borderline Disorder: Are They Distinct Entities by Long-Term Clinical Profile?

This study evaluates the influence of narcissistic and antisocial features on the long-term functioning of individuals with borderline personality disorder. Borderline patients discharged from Chestnut Lodge Hospital, an inpatient residential treatment facility, were followed up an average of 15 years later to assess longitudinal clinical profile. Despite differences in baseline psychopathology, members of Narcissistic, Antisocial, and Noncomorbid Borderline subgroups turned out to be roughly equivalent on almost all long-term course and outcome dimensions. The implications of these results for the nosology and treatment of personality disorders are discussed.