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Published Online, 22 November 2005, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E479.
 The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 49-52. DOI 10.1345/aph.1E479
© 2006 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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PSYCHIATRY

Medication Utilization Patterns and Methods of Suicidality in Borderline Personality Disorder

Eugene H Makela, PharmD BCPP

Associate Professor, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Karen E Moeller, PharmD BCPP

Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS

Jennifer E Fullen, PharmD BCPP

Pharmacist, Rational Drug Therapy Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown

Erdogan Gunel, PhD

Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown

Reprints: Dr. Makela, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, PO Box 9520, Morgantown, WV 26506-9520, fax 304/293-7672, gmakela{at}hsc.wvu.edu

BACKGROUND: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by suicidal thoughts/attempts and instability of mood, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. Patients with BPD engage in manipulative acts in apparent attempts to exert control in their interpersonal relationships. This issue of control may also be exhibited in their manner of self-medication.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the medication utilization patterns of patients with BPD versus patients without personality disorders in a control group and to compare methods of suicidality between the groups.

METHODS: A randomized, retrospective, chart review study was conducted at an academic medical center psychiatric hospital. The study examined the medication utilization patterns and methods of suicidality displayed over a one-year period for 29 patients hospitalized with BPD versus 29 patients in a control group.

RESULTS: The number of psychotropic, non-psychotropic, and total drugs on admission and discharge was significantly greater for patients with BPD compared with patients in the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to overdose and cutting methods of suicidality. The mean number of Axis III discharge diagnoses in the control group upon discharge was significantly less than that in the study group. Approximately 25% of patients with BPD considered overdosage as a means to end their life.

CONCLUSIONS: As patients with BPD receive more medications than patients without the disorder and often exhibit suicidal thoughts/attempts, clinicians should closely monitor the use of all medications.

Key Words: borderline personality disorder, medication utilization, suicide

Published Online, November 22, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E479




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