According to the DSM-5, BPD is diagnosed on the basis of (1) a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and (2) marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by at least five of the following:
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment; this does not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in criterion 5
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation
Identity disturbance—a markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (eg, spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating); this does not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in criterion 5
Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (eg, intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
Chronic feelings of emptiness
Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (eg, frequent displays of temper, constant anger, or recurrent physical fights)
Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms
These characteristics of BPD result in a great deal of distress, struggles, and unstable relationships for individuals and also represent a psychotherapeutic challenge for therapists.
For more information on borderline personality, read here.
Medscape © 2019 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Stephen Soreff. Fast Five Quiz: Personality Disorders - Medscape - Jan 09, 2019.
Comments