Borderline Self-Test

Important Notice

This self-test serves only as an initial orientation and does not replace a professional diagnosis. Only a specialist physician or psychotherapist can diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder.

Notes on the Test

The following questionnaire is based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV and ICD-10. Please answer the questions honestly for yourself.

Self-Assessment Questions

Do the following statements apply to you? Consider your behaviour and experiences over an extended period (not only during acute crisis situations).

Relationships and Closeness

1. Fear of abandonment: Do you have a great fear of being abandoned, and do you sometimes make desperate attempts to prevent it?

2. Relationship patterns: Do your relationships frequently alternate between extreme idealisation (“They are perfect”) and devaluation (“They are terrible”)?

3. Closeness-distance: Do you simultaneously fear too much closeness and being alone?

Self-Image and Identity

4. Identity: Do you find it difficult to describe who you really are? Does your self-image change frequently?

5. Inner emptiness: Do you often experience a feeling of inner emptiness that you find threatening?

6. Self-worth: Does your self-esteem fluctuate strongly between self-devaluation and feelings of grandiosity?

Emotions and Impulses

7. Mood swings: Do your moods change rapidly and intensely (within hours or days)?

8. Anger: Do you have intense outbursts of anger that you experience as uncontrollable and that are disproportionate to the trigger?

9. Impulsivity: Do you frequently act impulsively in ways that could harm you (spending, sex, drugs, eating, risky behaviour)?

Distressing Symptoms

10. Self-harm: Have you harmed yourself or had suicidal thoughts?

11. Dissociation: Do you experience feelings of unreality or detachment from yourself in stressful situations?

Evaluation

If you answered 5 or more of these questions with “Yes,” a Borderline Personality Disorder could be present.

Please note:

• A positive result does not automatically mean that you have Borderline
• Many of these symptoms can also occur in other disorders
• Only professional assessment can provide clarity

Next Steps

If you recognise yourself in several of these points:

1. Speak with a doctor – Your GP can refer you to a specialist
2. Seek a psychotherapist – ideally one with experience in personality disorders
3. Inform yourself – on the pages about therapy options you will find information on treatment possibilities

Support Services

In acute crises, please contact:

• Telefonseelsorge Germany: 0800 111 0 111 (free, 24h)
• Telefonseelsorge Austria: 142 (free, 24h)
• Die Dargebotene Hand (Switzerland): 143 (24h)
• Psychiatric emergency services in your area