Borderline personality disorder is a serious condition that affects up to two percent of the population, and between 10 and 20 percent of psychiatric patients. Patients with borderline personality disorder suffer lifelong feelings of fear, abandonment, and anger. To friends and family, these feelings may seem to exist for no reason — but to the person with this disorder, these emotions may be intense and overwhelming. Patients with borderline personality disorder commonly experience rapidly shifting emotions, including their feelings towards themselves and those close to them. As a result, those with the disorder have a lifelong pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships.

The despair of the patient with borderline personality disorder may be associated with impulsive, self-destructive behavior. Self-mutilation, as well as suicidal threats and acts, are very common among those with this disorder. Regrettably, completed suicide may be the end result of this self-destructive behavior.

This program is made possible by a generous donation from Carol and Fred Halperin, as well as many donations from friends of the Halperin family. Through their generosity, the family has established the David Halperin Memorial Fund in remembrance of their son, in the hope that their loss may help others suffering from borderline personality disorder and foster research into this illness.

Proceeds from this conference will go to the David Halperin Memorial Fund, to support programs in personality disorder at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute.

Donations from those not able to attend the symposium may be sent to: