A new neuroimaging study suggests that adolescents with borderline personality disorder exhibit distinct patterns of brain activity when reflecting on their own identity. The findings indicate that these young patients show reduced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region associated with cognitive control, compared to healthy peers. This research was published in Translational Psychiatry. Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental health condition. It is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. A central feature of this disorder is a disturbed sense of identity. Individuals often experience shifting goals, values, and vocational aspirations. This instability can manifest early in the course of the disorder. Many previous studies have investigated the biological roots of the condition. Most of research has focused on emotional dysregulation rather than identity disturbance. Existing functional imaging studies have typically involved adult patients. These adult participants often have a history of medication use or co-occurring psychiatric conditions. These factors can make it difficult to determine which brain abnormalities are specific to borderline personality disorder itself. To address …