Power, R. A., & Pluess, M. (2015). Heritability estimates of the Big Five personality traits based on common genetic variants. Translational psychiatry, 5(7), e604. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2015.96

Heritability estimates of the Big Five personality traits based on common genetic variants. 

Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness, and perfectionistic tendencies. High levels of neuroticism have been linked to increased vulnerability for several psychiatric conditions, including [[Borderline Personality Disorder]] and various forms of [[Eating Disorders]].

Because neuroticism tends to be moderately heritable (Power et al., 2015), individuals with a family history of this trait may be at higher risk. In both BPD and EDs, neuroticism contributes to difficulties in emotion regulation, impulsivity, and negative self-evaluation.

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Both genetic and environmental factors shape personality. Twin studies suggest that approximately 40–60% of personality trait variation is heritable (Power et al., 2015). However, these findings can be influenced by shared environmental conditions in twin rearing.

Power et al. (2015) also found that neuroticism and openness are more strongly inherited within families than traits like extraversion, agreeableness, or conscientiousness. This is notable for research on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (EDs), as neuroticism—characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and perfectionism—is a shared trait in both.

Heritability of Personality Traits in both BPD and ED

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Reference List: Comorbidity of Borderline Personality Disorder and Eating Disorders

Neuroticism in Both BPD and ED

The 5-HTTLPR gene is a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). It has two primary alleles: the long allele (L) and the short allele (S). These variants have been associated with different personality profiles (Steiger, 2004):

- The long allele is linked to over-control, compulsiveness, and perfectionism.

- The short allele is associated with impulsivity, emotional reactivity, and mood instability—traits commonly observed in individuals with borderline personality disorder and certain eating disorders. 

This finding supports the idea that these disorders may lie on a shared neurobiological spectrum, influenced by both genes and life experiences.

5-HTTLPR and Personality Traits in BPD and ED

There is growing evidence that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (EDs) share common genetic and neurobiological vulnerabilities. Both disorders are frequently associated with neuroticism, impulsivity, and emotion dysregulation.

One shared risk factor involves variants of the serotonin transporter gene (5‑HTTLPR). The short allele, in particular, is prevalent in individuals with BPD and in those with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder (Steiger, 2004; Ni et al., 2009). These gene variants influence serotonergic function, which affects behavioral traits such as mood regulation, appetite control, and impulse management.

This overlap suggests that BPD and EDs may exist along a shared neurobiological spectrum, shaped by both genetic predisposition and environmental experiences (e.g., trauma, early adversity).

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