Neural correlates of social cognition in BPD: a review of MRI evidence

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable relationships, affective dysregulation, and impulsivity. A growing body of evidence suggests that deficits in socio-cognitive domains (i.e., mentalization, empathy, and emotion recognition) contribute to the core psychopathology of BPD. However, the neural circuits underlying these deficits remain inconclusive. Aberrant activation and connectivity in fronto-limbic and temporoparietal networks contribute to socio-cog- nitive dysfunction in BPD, underlying emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, interpersonal instability, and self-disturbance. Future standardized paradigms and longitudinal designs should clarify the progression of these neural disruptions and guide targeted psychotherapeutic and neuromodulatory interventions.