Borderline personality disorder

Definition
An individual that reflects ingrained, inflexible and maladaptive patterns of behaviour characterized by impulsive and unpredictable actions, mood instability, and unstable interpersonal relationships.

Causes, incidence and risk factors.

The exact cause of borderline personality disorder is not known. However, several psychological theories rely on biological, social, and psychological factors to understand people with this disorder. The person with a borderline personality is impulsive in areas that have a potential for self-destruction. Relationships with others are intense and unstable. The person will go through frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment by others, and express mood instability and inappropriate anger. There may also be identity uncertainty concerning self-image, long-term goals or career choice, sexual orientation, choice of friends, and values.

People with this disorder tend to see things in terms of extremes, either all good or all bad. They view themselves as victims of circumstances and take little responsibility for themselves or for their problems. Risk factors include abandonment issues in childhood or adolescence, sexual abuse, disruptive family life, and poor communication within the family. This personality disorder is often associated with schizotypal, histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders. It tends to occur more often in women.

Symptoms

• Unstable interpersonal relationships
• Frequent displays of anger
• Inappropriate anger
• Recurrent suicide attempts
• Feelings of emptiness and boredom
• Intolerance of being alone
• Impulsiveness in at least two of the following areas: Money, substance abuse, sexual relationships, reckless driving, binge eating, shoplifting.