Familial transmission of borderline personality disorder

Background. In recent years studies have shown consistent indications that maternal borderline personality disorder (BPD) puts children at risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems as well as for showing BPD-specific symptoms themselves in adolescence. Objective. This article reviews factors contributing to the familial transmission of BPD and provides implications for practice derived from these findings. Material and methods. Based on a comprehensive literature search current empirical findings on the familial transmission (mother to child) of BPD were aggregated and core findings were integrated into a transmission model. Results. The transmission model postulated in this study shows a complex interplay of different influencing factors and mechanisms of transmission. In addition to mother- and child-related risk factors, external factors are integrated into the model. Furthermore, different mechanisms of transmission are emphasized: (epi)genetic and prenatal influences, the importance of mother-child interaction, familial and social resp. societal influences. A potential preventive effect of the welfare system is postulated. Conclusion. Possible implications are derived from the model that could help to reduce vulnerability and stress factors and thus promote healthy development of children in this high-risk group.