Heritable Traits in Borderline Personality Disorder?

Instability in early attachments, usually resulting from unpredictable and inconstant mothering, is often cited in the pathogenesis of borderline personality disorder. In an exploratory study of possible genetic contributions to the disorder, these authors examined personality traits in twins by analyzing data from a web-based survey (see http://www.outofservice.com) completed by 44,112 volunteers.

The researchers correlated responses on two dimensional trait scales. One scale identified core maladaptive trait components of borderline personality disorder: affective instability, cognitive dysregulation, identity problems, and insecure attachment. The second, a “five-factor model,” assessed normative personality dimensions (openness to experi…