A voxel-based morphometric MRI study in men with borderline personality disorder: preliminary findings

Objective - There is increasing evidence for subtle changes in brain morphology and function in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Structural brain imaging studies show lower volume in frontal, temporal and parietal brain regions than in healthy controls. The aim of our preliminary study of men with BPD was to investigate structural brain changes and their relationship with a measure of impulsivity.

Methods - We examined seven male patients with BPD and six control men using voxel-based morphometry. Analysis of covariance was carried out to assess regionally specific differences in grey and white matter (WM) volumes. Correlations between trait impulsivity as measured using the Impulsiveness-Venturesomeness-Empathy scale and brain volumes were studied.

Results - Compared with healthy men, men with BPD had similar WM volumes but smaller grey matter (GM) volumes in frontal, temporal and parietal cortices. The latter were negatively correlated with trait impulsivity.

Conclusions - Our findings fit with previous reports of smaller regional GM volumes reported in women with BPD, and suggest that in men there may be an association between smaller GM volumes and impulsivity.