Sexual Abuse and Diagnosis of Borderline Pathology in Adolescence: A Systematic Review

Abstract Sexual violence affects approximately one in five adolescents in Spain, with higher prevalence in girls than boys, reflecting trends similar to those in other European countries. This experience can severely impact mental health and development, with borderline personality disorder (BPD) emerging as a prominent consequence. In this study, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA methodology, aiming to analyze findings from studies published in the last decade (2013-2023) regarding the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and BPD diagnosis. The goal of this review is to provide Spanish-speaking professionals with an updated understanding of this relationship to enhance clinical knowledge and practice. Out of 439 articles, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that CSA is significantly associated with BPD development in adolescence, although polyvictimization appears to be the most reliable predictor. Regarding prevalence, CSA is notably more frequent in clinical and forensic samples, particularly among females. This review concludes that childhood sexual violence is a relevant factor in BPD development, underscoring the importance of evaluating this experience in initial clinical consultations due to its impact on mental health.