Sophie C. Dahlenburg

Due to conflicting evidence regarding gender-specific prevalence of borderline personality disorder (BPD), this systematic review aims to evaluate its occurrence in men within the general population to inform more responsive approaches in assessment and treatment. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Embase, and Web of Science for English-language publications between 1980 and 2023. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed studies reporting original prevalence data for BPD in men in the general population. Study quality was assessed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, and data were synthesized using quantitative methods including meta-analysis. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 2,027,764). Results indicated that the prevalence of BPD in men in the general population varied based on measurement method. Seven studies using clinical interviews reported a pooled prevalence of 0.9% and a men-to-women ratio of 43:100. In contrast, four studies using self-report measurements revealed a pooled prevalence of 8.1% and a men-to-women ratio of 73:100. The prevalence also differed according to sampling methods, participants age, as well as cultural and economic factors. This review suggests that BPD prevalence in men appears to vary according to multiple factors, with men meeting diagnostic criteria less frequently than women in the general population. The variations of prevalence may be influenced by gender bias in diagnostic criteria and clinical practice, as well as methodological and environmental factors. Future research should focus on refining measurement tools and improving clinical practice to better capture gender-specific and age-related manifestations of BPD, particularly across diverse cultural and economic contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Borderline personality features have been identified as a risk factor for suicide-related behaviour among adolescents. Targeted brief interventions may facilitate early identification and intervention. Methods: A single-group pre-post observational study design examined implementation of a brief crisis intervention (Gold Card SA) for adolescents aged 12–17 years-of-age, delivered in outpatient hospital and community mental health settings. The intervention offered up to three weekly psychologically focussed sessions to explore goals and values, provide psychoeducation and develop a collaborative care plan. A fourth session was offered to the adolescent’s nominated support person. We examined patient-reported outcome measures collected at the first and final appointment and service outcomes (e.g., acute mental-health service utilisation comparing the 6-months pre- and postintervention). We also considered our findings in light of early implication indicators such as acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, penetration and sustainability. Results: One-hundred and fifty-five adolescents consented for their outcomes to be evaluated (12–15-year-olds n = 46; 16–17-year-olds n = 109). Borderline features were high among adolescents attending their initial Gold Card SA appointment. The incidence of emergency department presentations in the 6-months postintervention was 90% lower relative to the 6-months beforehand (95% CI [0.05, 0.18]; p < .001). Adolescents who completed the intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in perceived burdensomeness (12–15 years, d _av = 0.31, p = .001; 16–17 years old, d _av = 0.51, p < .001) and psychosocial dysfunction (12–15 years, d _av = 0.31, p = .006; 16–17 years old, d _av = 0.31, p = .01). Adolescents aged 16–17 years also reported significant reduction in borderline symptom severity ( d _av = 0.89, p < .001) and the likelihood of engaging in deliberate self-harm (Exp (B) = 0.86, p = .03) pre- and postintervention. Conclusions: A brief intervention model such as Gold Card SA, embedded within a public mental health setting, may support adolescents and their families during crisis. Screening for borderline personality features at this time may facilitate early intervention whereby at-risk adolescents are offered additional intervention via a broader stepped model of care. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

The current systematic review and meta-synthesis investigated the experiences of Deaf queer people, specifically, how identities in this population shift dynamically in response to their dual marginalization. Data were extracted from 27 qualitative studies, with a sample total of 176 participants. Synthesis was influenced by the Model of Multidimensional Identities to frame resulting categories and themes. Four categories were developed from the data: (1) institutional contributors to identity salience, (2) cultural moderators of institutional neglect, (3) resistance to double exclusion through community, and (4) personal navigation of a contested body. The findings capture a picture of complex discrimination, where identities are largely shaped by society’s preconceived prejudices, community, and language access.

Increased prevalence of personality pathology, characterized by both personality disorder diagnoses and presentation of personality disorder traits, has been identified among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, certain subgroups within the SGM community, namely bisexual and transgender populations, are found to have a prevalence of personality pathology elevated above that of other SGM subgroups. However, research on personality pathology prevalence across sexuality and gender identity is in its infancy, remaining scarce and inconclusive. Further, while literature has speculated that the increased levels of personality pathology observed within the SGM community may arise from manifestations of minority stress, this is yet to be explored empirically. This study examined self-reported personality pathology from SGM community members as well as their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts and explored potential relationships between personality pathology and minority stress. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 368 participants recruited within Australia completed measures of personality functioning, maladaptive personality traits, and, for SGM participants, minority stress. Greater presentation of personality pathology was identified among SGM participants, with higher mean scores across personality measures. Personality pathology scores were found to be highest among noncisgender individuals and sexuality groups other than heterosexual and gay/lesbian. As theorized, minority stress was positively correlated with increased personality pathology. Implications regarding the potential for overpathologizing of SGM populations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Loneliness is a significant social and public health issue, particularly among gay men who often face unique challenges shaped by their social identities and minority status. These challenges often exacerbate feelings of isolation and exclusion, yet the specific ways in which gay men experience loneliness remain underexplored. This study aimed to offer insights for health professionals and policymakers via a systematic review and meta-synthesis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in May 2024 across five major databases and gray literature to identify appropriate qualitative studies (i.e. if they focused on the experiences of loneliness among gay men, were qualitatively designed, and included participants over the age of 18). 72 studies, encompassing approximately 1335 participants were analyzed. Guided by Intersectionality Theory and the Minority Stress Model, data analysis generated three categories that impacted gay men's experiences of loneliness. (1) external influences of discrimination (lack of support systems, cultural standards, geographic location), (2) internal conflicts (internalized homophobia, concealment, fear of rejection), and (3) coping mechanisms (sex, substance use, social life and connections, embracing solitude). The findings highlight the complex interplay between external pressures and internal struggles, as well as how intersecting identities shape the diverse experience of loneliness among gay men.

Entrusting GenerativeAI (GenAI) to complete tasks that require critical engagement with content can have wide-spread implications to the integrity of student learning outcomes. This paper presents the preliminary findings of a mixed-methods survey of Australian university students (n=399) on their use of GenAI in their studies. Preliminary findings suggest student GenAI use in universities is common, with approximately one third of students using GenAI and 53% engaging with ChatGPT alone. In open-ended responses, stigma and judgement towards students utilising GenAI to complete their assignments is evident. Stigma may entrench a culture of secrecy around integrating GenAI into the student workflow, which may work against any initiatives to increase citation or transparency in the sanctioned use of GenAI. Students also discussed implications for employability, skill development, and the originality of their work, with 80% of students concerned that GenAI is devaluing their degrees. These findings require universities to critically engage with either: building a culture of engagement with, or increasing surveillance against the use of GenAI in student assessments (reflecting the GenAI stance of each university).

There is a notable lack of literature evaluating peer support for people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Peer-led groups have been shown to positively impact outcomes related to empowerment, hope, and self-efficacy beliefs for consumers diagnosed with serious mental illness and may also be a helpful option for those experiencing personality disorder symptoms. We outline the coproduction of a peer group for people with a lived experience of BPD and a qualitative analysis of feedback post-group participation. Twenty-two consumers participated in post-group interviews and described their experiences of peer support. Interview transcripts were coded, and three main themes were identified: growth and change, connection and feeling understood, and creating safety. The findings suggested that participation in a coproduced peer support group for people with a diagnosis of BPD facilitated positive personal transformation as well as opportunities to develop connection through shared experiences in a safe environment grounded in mutuality. These themes were particularly powerful for participants because they countered previous experiences of not feeling safe, understood, or equal when seeking treatment. These findings support the acceptability of implementing a coproduced group for people diagnosed with BPD in a community mental health setting.