The objective of Study A is to evaluate the efficacy of risperidone on the 4 behavioral dimensions of Berderline Personality Disorder (BPD)in an open label trial:mood swings, impulsivity, thing difficulties and disturbed relationships. The secondary objective of this study (Study B)is to validate a self-report measure of clinical symptoms specific to the treatment of patients with BPD, the UAB Borderline Rating Scale(BRS).

Study A: An open-label, prospective trial of the efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of BPD.The study is 8 weeks in duration, with a screening visit and follow-up visits at the end of Weeks 1,2,3,4,6, and 8. 20 female patients, 19 years or older will be recruited. A full medical and psychiatric history will be taken and a physical exam will be performed by a sstudy physician. A psychosocial assessment will be conducted during the screen.

Study B: The ofjective is to validate the UAB BRS by administering the BRS and other neuropsychological instruments as repeated measures over a 6 week period to 40 patients with BPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of BPD

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any other Axis I diagnosis except dysthymia, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder;substance abuse within a month; unstable medical illness.