[Existential suffering in the art expression of borderline patients].

Abstract

The concept of the borderline syndrome is briefly discussed in the light of recently published surveys. In the author's view, the concept as formulated by Benedetti can be usefully applied in the European context. The pictorial creations of borderline patients reveal with striking clarity the general and essential features associated with this polymorphous psychopathological concept, despite its variable symptomatology. Referring to examples drawn from extensive collections of drawings by two female patients, the author demonstrates that existential suffering is definitely a major theme in this expressive work.