Describe the characteristics and causes of borderline personality disorder, and discuss possible treatment approaches and their efficacy.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sample Answer: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by erratic moods, unstable relationships, poor self-image, and fear of abandonment. Borderline individuals often engage in suicidal and/or self-mutilating behaviors, and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Borderline personality disorder is more prevalent in families with the disorder and is more common in women. There is also a strong link to early sexual abuse among borderline individuals, but it is not clear whether there is a gene-environment interaction accounting for some of this data. People with borderline personality disorders are typically distressed about their lives and are more likely to seek treatment even than people with anxiety and mood disorders. They often respond positively to medications, including SSRIs, other antidepressants, and lithium. Dialectical behavior therapy, which involves helping people cope with the stressors that trigger suicidal behavior, may also be effective. Therapy is conducted weekly and helps patients learn to identify and regulate emotions. It also contains elements of treatments used to help people with posttraumatic stress disorder. Eventually, clients learn to trust their own response rather than depending on the validation of others. Up to 88% of borderline patients who undergo therapy experience remission at 10 years, which is an extremely positive outlook among the personality disorders.