Recently some progress has been made in finding more reliable diagnostic criteria and methods for borderline conditions in adolescence and adulthood. However, no generally accepted diagnostic criteria are available for borderline conditions in childhood. In this study — by providing a survey of the relevant literature and through a textual analysis and comparison of thirteen articles — the degree of agreement on borderline and some possibly related conditions in childhood are dealt with. Although in general terms some agreement is to be found, systematic research on diagnostic definitions is needed in order to be able to ascertain whether childhood borderline conditions are a distinct category with inner consistency or not. In conclusion it is therefore recommended for the time being to retain a distinction between childhood and adulthood borderline conditions and to be wary of regarding them as one diagnostic entity.