Huge study finds first genetic clues for borderline personality disorder Largest genetic analysis of the condition so far finds 11 linked locations in the human genome. By Miryam Naddaf

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02220-1?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=5aed9ee873-nature-briefing-daily-20260721&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 Researchers have identified the first evidence of genetic risk factors associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The analysis, published in Nature Genetics on 20 July1, is the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the condition so far. It identified 11 associated locations (or loci) in the human genome, and within or near these broad areas were nine functional genes that seem to be linked to BPD. Researchers have identified 11 locations in the human genome, and nine functional genes in or near these areas, that seem to be linked to borderline personality disorder (BPD) — the first evidence of genetic risk factors associated with the condition. The findings come from the largest genome-wide association study of BPD so far, including data from more than 12,000 people with the condition. The study is “an extraordinary step up from where we’ve been previously, with virtually no research being conducted on the condition at scale,” says psychiatrist Andrew McIntosh.