According to Corelli, “A person with a borderline personality disorder often experiences a repetitive pattern of disorganization and instability in self-image, mood, behavior and close personal relationships” (n.d., para. 1). Corelli (n.d.) goes on to state this pattern of instability can “cause significant distress or impairment in friendships and work” (para. 1). Generally a person with that has this disorder can display the qualities of warmth, and intelligence, and appear stable for years until some stressful situation like a death or a breakup can cause the person to then become unstable (Corelli, n.d., para 1).
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder consist of intense yet unstable relationships that are characterized by the inability to maintain “intimate, close connections” (Corelli, n.d., para 2). These persons that have this disorder are often manipulative and have problems trusting people. According to Corelli (n.d), these persons are emotionally unstable, generally display symptoms of depression and anxiety, and display behavior that is unpredictable and impulsive (para. 2). Corelli (n.d.) states some examples of this behavior include “excessive spending, promiscuity, gambling, drug or alcohol abuse, shoplifting, overeating or physically self-damaging actions such as suicide gestures” (para. 2). Corelli (n.d.) also states that this person may display “intense anger and rage, brooding, feelings of deprivation, and a loss of control or fear of loss of control over angry feelings” (para. 2). These people are generally confused about their “self-identity and sexuality, as well as their life goals and values, as well as their career choices and friendships” (Corelli, n.d., para. 2). According to Corelli (n.d.) “there is a deep-seated feeling that one is flawed, defective, damaged or bad in some way, with a tendency to go to extremes in thinking, feeling or behavior” (para. 2). People with this disorder can “in severe cases” have “brief psychotic episodes with loss of contact with reality or bizarre behavior or symptoms” (Corelli, n.d., para. 2). Corelli (n.d) states, “even in less severe instances, there is often significant disruption of relationships and work performance. The depression which accompanies this disorder can cause much suffering and can lead to serious suicide attempts” (para. 2).
Corelli (n.d.) states that borderline personality disorder “running as high as 10-14% of the general population and that “the frequency in women is two to three times greater than men” (para. 3). This may arise from hormonal or genetic reason and some have considered that the disorder may be related to menstruation. According to Corelli (n.d.), “women commonly suffer from depression more often than men” and that the disorder may arise from “incestuous experiences during their childhood” (para. 3). Sexual abuse early in life may cause this disorder, especially in women, resulting in relationship difficulties and sexual and identity dysfunction. Some people may even be predisposed toward developing this disorder and that failing to properly bond with one’s mother during crucial stages of childhood may result in this disorder.
Typical treatment for this disorder includes psychotherapy which allows the patient to unburden themselves to a therapist. This treatment may need to be consistent and prolonged, and may even require the use of medication. Treatment for substance abuse may also be required, as well as a combination of inpatient and outpatient hospitalization. The goal of treatment is to assist the patient in following more functional patterns of behavior that are beneficial to successful living.
References:
http://www.stanford.edu/~corelli/borderline.html
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