BPD Test
A quick borderline personality disorder screen based on the McLean Screening Instrument (MSI-BPD). Seven yes/no questions that flag whether BPD-related patterns are worth exploring with a professional.
Have you ever experienced the following on a regular basis?
1. Have any of your closest relationships been troubled by a lot of arguments or repeated breakups?
2. Have you deliberately hurt yourself physically (e.g., punching yourself, cutting, burning)? Have you attempted suicide?
3. Have you had at least two other problems with impulsivity (e.g., eating binges, spending sprees, drinking too much, risky sexual behavior)?
4. Have you been extremely moody (intense feelings that shift quickly, often within hours)?
5. Have you felt very angry a lot of the time? Have you often acted in an angry or sarcastic manner?
6. Have you often been distrustful of other people? Have you often felt that other people were observing you or talking about you behind your back?
7. Have you frequently felt unreal or as if things around you were unreal? Have you frequently felt that you had no idea who you are or that you had no identity?
About This BPD Test
This screener reproduces the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD), developed by Zanarini et al. (2003). The MSI-BPD is a 7-item, yes/no screening tool validated in both clinical and community samples. A score of 5 or higher has demonstrated good sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.85) for detecting BPD.
BPD affects an estimated 1.6% of the general population and up to 20% of psychiatric inpatients. It is treatable. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mentalization-based therapy (MBT), and schema therapy all show strong evidence for reducing BPD symptoms.