Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
NoneConstant
6. Affective Instability
0
Marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability).
NoneConstant
7. Chronic Emptiness
0
Persistent feelings of emptiness.
NoneConstant
8. Inappropriate Anger
0
Intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper).
NoneConstant
9. Dissociation / Paranoid Ideation
0
Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.
NoneConstant
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
Clinical Utility
Semi-structured clinician interview for assessing BPD severity
Primary outcome measure for longitudinal trials of Borderline Personality Disorder (e.g., DBT or MBT)
Detailed monitoring of the nine DSM diagnostic criteria for BPD
Evaluation of treatment efficacy and symptomatic change over time
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Scoring Logic
The BPDSi assesses the nine DSM-IV/5 domains of BPD. Each domain is rated on a scale of 0 to 10 based on the frequency of symptoms in the past 3 months. A total score and sub-scale scores (0–10) are calculated.
The Nine Domains
Abandonment
Interpersonal Relationships
Identity Disturbance
Impulsivity
Parasuicidal Behavior
Affective Instability
Emptiness
Anger
Dissociation / Paranoid Ideation
Section 3
Evidence Appraisal
Validation
Reliability and validity of the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index.
Arntz A et al. • Psychol Assess.. 2003;15(1):45-54. Validated the BPDSi as a reliable and sensitive measure of BPD symptom change.
