Pain perception in self-injurious patients with borderline personality disorder

Biol Psychiatry. 1992 Sep 15;32(6):501-11. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(92)90218-o.

Abstract

Pain ratings during the cold pressor test were significantly lower in female inpatients with borderline personality disorder who report that they do not experience pain during self-injury (BPD-NP group, n = 11), compared with similar patients who report that they do experience pain during self-injury (BPD-P group, n = 11), and normal female subjects (n = 6). Pain ratings were not significantly different in the BPD-P and normal control groups. Self-report ratings of depression, anger, anxiety, and confusion were significantly lower, and ratings of vigor significantly higher following the cold pressor test in the BPD-NP group, but not in the BPD-P group. Only anxiety was significantly lower in the normal control group following the cold pressor test. The implications and limitations of these preliminary findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / classification
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / classification
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pain*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Pulse
  • Self-Injurious Behavior*