Sexuality in patients with borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder is the most frequently seen personality disorder. Sexuality and intimate relationships are important parts of life. Borderline patients experience a lot of problems in this field, with a great impact on their wellbeing. The complexity of sexuality in these patients is influenced by their traumatic history and the specific symptoms of this disorder. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of sexual problems seen in borderline patients and of the factors influencing the experience of sexuality and dysfunctions in intimate relationships. There is evidence for increased sexual activity with sexual impulsivity, promiscuity, a preoccupation with sex and high-risk sexual behavior, as well as for the avoidance of sex. Discussing these problems with a patient is not an easy task for a physician. However, these patients need reassurance, information, appropriate preventive measures, adequate referral and treatment. Therefore, systematic mapping of sexuality and possible related problems is very important.

Publication year:2017