Borderline personality disorder: gender stereotypes, stigma, and limited system of care.

In North America, there may be no other psychiatric diagnosis more laden with stereotypes and stigma than borderline personality disorder. People who live with this label--the majority being female--are often marginalized or denied access to mental health services. In this article, the author reviews the theoretical underpinnings of the diagnosis, as well as the stigmatizing practices and limited services for seriously ill persons with borderline personality disorder diagnoses. In light of this review, new directions for mental health practice, education, and research are proposed.