Edited by Carla Sharp
In the last 10-15 years, there has been a marked increase in empirical studies in support of assessing and treating personality disorder and symptoms in youth. For instance, for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in youth, there has been a five-fold increase in published research in the last 10 years (Sharp & Tackett, 2014). These advances have been reflected in the legitimization of adolescent personality disorder diagnosis in psychiatric nomenclature (DSM 5 and the ICD-11) as well as national treatment guidelines in the U.K. (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2009) and Australia (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2013). Therefore, the field is now mature enough to justify an ongoing section in BPDED devoted to the Developmental Aspects of Personality Disorder in youth. Moreover, recent data suggest that scientific evidence and national practice guidelines are yet to penetrate routine clinical care, further showing the need for the launch of this ongoing section in BPDED. These goals are consistent with the newly founded Global Alliance for Prevention and Early Intervention of BPD (GAP) which aims to (1) Promote early detection and timely intervention for borderline personality disorder, (2) Match treatments to individual development and to the phase and stage of disorder, (3) Work with families at all stages of intervention, (4) Improve access to evidence-based treatments, (5) Increase the variety of available treatments across all levels of the health system, and (6) Develop the mental health workforce by updating knowledge, culture, and practice in relation to BPD in young people.
This thematic series of articles has been brought together to launch the ongoing section on the developmental aspects of personality disorder, and reflects some, but certainly not all, of the current international leaders in the field. We hope that this section will stimulate other leaders and authors in the field to submit their papers to ensure the further growth of clinical science and practice in the area of developmental personality psychopathology.
This thematic series has not been sponsored. All articles have undergone the journal’s standard peer review process overseen by the Child and adolescent focus Section Editor. Manuscripts authored by the Section Editor were overseen by an Editor-in-Chief. The Section Editor and Editors-in-Chief declare no competing interests.