Neuropsychological risks in borderline pathology

The present study was designed to investigate the neuropsychological functioning of two groups of children: one evaluated as having borderline psychopathology, and a second with psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but not BPD. The total sample included 83 subjects, 71 boys and 12 girls, ranging in age from seven-12 years. Borderline psychopathology was assessed using the Child Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (C-DIB-R). Frontal-system functioning was assessed with the Continuous Performance Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Rey Complex Figure Test. IQ was evaluated with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition, and the Quick Neurological Screening Test was given to identify any soft sign neurological impairments. It was found that there were specific neuropsychological deficits associated with borderline pathology, including poor attentiveness, marked impulsivity, risk taking behaviour and poor conceptual learning