Borderline Personality Disorder Analysis

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2013), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness which negatively impacts relationships and an individual’s sense of self, characterized by pervasive instability of moods, tumultuous relationships and the distortion of self-image and emotion regulation. A core aspect of BPD is an intense fear of abandonment. Whether real or imagined, this fear may lead to frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, panic or hostile behavior. Identity issues frequently affect intense changes in relationships, goals and interests (wild mood swings although short lived). Impulsivity can become self-destructive and can manifest itself in “substance abuse, reckless driving, gambling,
Individuals who suffer from BPD can experience a chronic sense of emptiness. They may also experience the expression of disproportionate or inappropriate anger resulting in temper problems or physical fighting stemming from uncontrollable emotions. Additionally, dissociative symptoms or paranoia may be experienced under stressful conditions leading to irrational thought processes. In extreme cases of BPD, individuals may indulge in “self-harm behavior such as cutting, picking, or burning, as well as suicidal ideations, threats and behaviors are also common. Although self-harm and suicidal behaviors can be genuine and should be taken seriously, they can also be used as frantic efforts to avoid abandonment” (APA, 2013). Individuals with BPD experience emotional instability which often disrupts family and work, long-term goal achievement and sense of
Weekly therapy plans often involves education about BPD and social and emotional skills training. Dialectical behavior therapy is an integration of individual and group therapy and telephone sessions which helps increase self-awareness, impart new coping techniques and emotional regulation. Research has shown pharmaceuticals to be non-effectual to Borderline symptoms unless neurological issues exist; treatment is much more effective therapeutically which includes behavioral reconditioning. If other mental illnesses are coexistent, then medications may be prescribed to alleviate their symptoms such as depression and anxiety disorders for example.
Patients who have neurologically related symptoms may also be prescribed medication in addition to therapy for chemical imbalances in brain functions. As stated by Mental Health