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Tags: mental illness, suicide, depression, personality disorder, anxiety 

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Borderline Personality Disorder

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TheUnendurableRapture
Crew

PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:11 am


~What it is~


Quote:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder described as a prolonged disturbance of personality function in a person (generally over the age of eighteen years, although it is also found in adolescents), characterized by depth and variability of moods. The disorder typically involves unusual levels of instability in mood; black and white thinking, or splitting; chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior; as well as a disturbance in the individual's sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periods of dissociation.

BPD splitting includes a switch between idealizing and demonizing others. This, combined with mood disturbances, can undermine relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. BPD disturbances also include self-harm. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen, leading (in extreme cases) to suicide attempts.

There is an ongoing debate among clinicians and patients worldwide about terminology and the use of the word borderline, and some have suggested that this disorder should be renamed. The ICD-10 manual has an alternative definition and terminology to this disorder, called Emotionally unstable personality disorder.

(source Wikipedia)
PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:15 am


~Symptoms~


Quote:
1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
2. Pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g. spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood.
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.
9. Transient, stress, related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. (DSM IV)

People with BPD often have highly unstable patterns of social relationships. While they can develop intense but stormy attachments, their attitudes toward family, friends, and loved ones may suddenly shift from idealization (great admiration and love) to devaluation (intense anger and dislike). Even with family members, individuals with BPD are highly sensitive to rejection, reacting with anger and distress to such mild separations as a vacation, a business trip, or a sudden change of plans.

Distortions in thinking and sense of self can lead to frequent changes in long-term goals, career plans, jobs, friendships, gender identity, and values. Sometimes people with BPD view themselves as fundamentally bad, or unworthy. They may feel unfairly misunderstood or mistreated, bored, empty, and have little idea who they are. Such symptoms are most acute when people with BPD feel isolated and lacking in social support, and may result in frantic efforts to avoid being alone by acting out; i.e. impulsive behavior or suicide attempts.

People with BPD exhibit other impulsive behaviors, such as excessive spending, binge eating and risky sex. BPD often occurs together with other psychiatric problems, particularly bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other personality disorders.

(Source- NEA for BPD)

TheUnendurableRapture
Crew


TheUnendurableRapture
Crew

PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:16 am


~Treatment~


Quote:
People with BPD often need extensive mental health services, and account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations. Treatments for BPD have improved in recent years, and group and individual psychotherapy, as well as the use of medication have been effective for many patients.

Within the past 15 years, a new psychosocial treatment termed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been developed specifically to treat BPD, and this technique has looked promising in treatment studies. Pharmacological treatments are often prescribed based on specific target symptoms shown by the individual patient. Antidepressant drugs and mood stabilizers may be helpful for depressed and/or labile mood. Antipsychotic drugs may also be used when there are distortions in thinking. With help, many improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives.

(Source- NEA for BPD)
PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:22 am


~Suggested Reading~


Books-
Sometimes I Act Crazy by Jerold J. Kreisman M.D
I Hate You, Don't Leave Me: Understanding the Borderline Personality by Jerold J. Kreisman
Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder by Rachel Reiland

Websites-
http://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com/index.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder-fact-sheet/index.shtml

TheUnendurableRapture
Crew


She-Lich

PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 2:05 pm


The last friend I ever made (offline) in the past three years had BPD. She was stabilized on medication, though, so I don't think I ever saw her acting in a way that would make me think she had it. I've been interested in it ever since I found out, though, so thank you for the information. I wonder if my library has those books.
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