Beyond Symptom Overlap: Differentiating Borderline Personality Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex PTSD (CPTSD) share overlapping symptoms, leading to debate about whether the disturbances in self-organization (DSOs) in CPTSD are distinct or substantially overlap with BPD, especially in those with comorbid PTSD. This article highlights the key differences among PTSD, CPTSD, and BPD to support accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate psychological treatment. Drawing on recent empirical research and diagnostic criteria, we focus on differences in trauma exposure, symptom clusters, emotion regulation, self-concept, and interpersonal functioning to clarify these related but distinct clinical entities.