Borderline Personality Disorder

A client with borderline personality disorder usually consists of a host of negative characteristics.   BPD is defined as "a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self image, and affects, and marked impulsivity that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts, "(American Psychiatric Association, 2000).   Patients who have borderline personality disorder usually display destructive behaviors and addictive behaviors, including self-mutilation. These actions are a cry for help, they expect someone to come save them or show that they care. They are also known continually to blame and criticize people.   The criticism often crosses the line into emotional or physical abuse.   Lacking a clear sense of whom they are and feeling empty, people with BPD feel lonely and in excruciating pain. So they may cope by denying their own unpleasant traits, behaviors, and feelings by attributing them to someone else. Patients with this disorder often attempt suicide and about 10 percent of them succeed(Oldham, 2006).   These behaviors can date back as early as adolescence, and can occur throughout the lifetime of a patient.   Patients can also show oral and addictive behaviors, which may include: drug abuse, obesity, anorexia, and bulimia.
Not only is the patient affected when borderline personality disorder is involved but the people around him or her as well can be dramatically overwhelmed.   Clients generally show a pattern of interactions with others that is characterized by clinging and distancing behaviors.   People who know people with this disorder often feel manipulated and lied to.   This may be the result of borderline personalities trying to get what they want through the only way they know how - emotional blackmail.   People with this disorder usually see people as wonderful or evil, this is an ego defense mechanism they have known as splitting.   For instance, a therapist can be seen as being very helpful and caring toward the... [continues]

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