The Effects of Race and Gender on the Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

This paper explores the current research on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the effects that race and gender have on diagnosis. Previous research has examined the effects and influence of race and gender on the diagnosis of BPD as two separate subtopics, but very little research has examined the intersectionality of the two and how both together may affect diagnosis and specific treatment types. This study further extends this line of research. This research is important because it reveals the gaps within psychopathology diagnosis and research based on limited research examining how BPD affects different intersectional identities. If future researchers begin examining BPD and the intersection of race and gender in diagnosis and treatment, more evidence will be available to explain how BPD affects people differently and if these differences relate to specific identities.

Keywords: BPD, Intersectionality, Race, Gender, Mental Health