The present discourse aims to explicate the differentiation between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), two types of personality disorders that exhibit unique features often exhibiting shared attributes in certain cases. 

BPD and NPD are frequently correlated with fluctuating emotional states and erratic conduct, and with an inflated self-concept and the craving for acknowledgment, respectively. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may exhibit heightened emotional states, erratic mood fluctuations, impulsive behaviours, challenges in establishing and sustaining stable interpersonal connections, as well as a pervasive sense of vacuity. Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder exhibit a proclivity toward inflating their own accomplishments, a strong desire for recognition and admiration, and a deficiency in empathic abilities towards others. 

Here are some notable distinctions between borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder:

  • Central features: In BPD, emotional and mood instability is one of the main features, while in NPD, excessive self-evaluation and the need for recognition are central features.
  • Social relationships: Individuals with BPD often have difficulty maintaining stable relationships, which is due to their unstable moods and emotions. Individuals with NPD, on the other hand, often treat other people as tools to achieve their goals and needs.
  • Emotions: Individuals with BPD experience very intense emotions and react impulsively, while individuals with NPD may appear superficial and emotionally withdrawn.
  • Self-harm and suicide attempt: Individuals with BPD often attempt suicide and engage in self-harm, which is not characteristic of NPD.
  • Empathy: Individuals with NPD often exhibit a lack of empathy for others, while individuals with BPD may be very sensitive to the emotions of others.
What is the difference between Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Here are some scientific articles on BPD and NPD:

  1. Paris, J. (2019). The Borderline/Narcissistic Continuum of Pathology: A Structural Approach. Journal of personality disorders, 33(Supplement), 16-29.
  2. Kernberg, O. F. (2016). Narcissistic personality disorder: A clinical perspective. Journal of psychotherapy integration, 26(2), 109-120.
  3. Zanarini, M. C., Frankenburg, F. R., Khera, G. S., & Bleichmar, J. (2001). Treatment histories of borderline inpatients. Comprehensive psychiatry, 42(2), 144-150.
  4. Ronningstam, E. (2011). Narcissistic personality disorder: a clinical perspective. Journal of psychiatric practice®, 17(2), 89-99.
  5. Paris, J. (2005). The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder: problematic but better than the alternatives. Annals of clinical psychiatry: official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists, 17(1), 41-46.

Important keywords to remember:

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
  • Emotional instability
  • Excessive self-evaluation
  • Difficulties in maintaining relationships
  • Lack of empathy
  • Self-harm
  • Suicide attempts
  • Continuum of pathology
  • Narcissistic personality