Identifying and managing borderline personality patients.

Individuals with the borderline personality disorder are less stable than neurotics but do not have sustained psychotic decompensations. These patients are socially insensitive, impulsive, resentful and chronically depressed, and may display fits of anger. Borderline patients experience the greatest difficulty in dealing with intense relationships. Medical problems that require sustained follow-up may bring about a doctor-patient relationship intense enough to stir up turmoil. The cornerstone of treating such patients is maintaining a limited relationship.