Imágenes de género en la construcción de diagnósticos psiquiátricos: el caso del trastorno límite de la personalidad en la perspectiva de los/as psiquiatras y psicólogos/as de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Abstract

This article identifies and discusses gender images and stereotypes involved in the borderline personality disorder. Based on a qualitative research with documentary sources and semi-structured interviews with psychiatrists and psychologists in the city of Buenos Aires, the article describes mechanisms by through professionals produce moral values attributed to gender behaviors: first, circulation of stereotypes about female appearance and behavior which pervades the establishing of diagnosis without a rigorous evaluation; second, the notion of biological vulnerability which reinforces the belief in an “emotional dysregulation” as an intrinsic characteristic of feminine nature; and finally pointing the importance of mother performance in the subsequent appearance of the borderline personality disorder.