Borderline Personality Disorder Essay Example

behavior significantly differ from the expectations of society are so rigid that they interfere with the person’s normal functioning (Friedel, 2004). Borderline Personality Disorder is more common, affecting 2 percent of adults, mostly young women (Friedel, 2004).

There is a high rate of self-injury, as well as a significant rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide. In severe cases patients often need extensive mental health services, and they account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations, and fortunately with the necessary help, many improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives (Friedel, 2004). Borderline personality disorder is difficult to treat, However, recent research shows that borderline personality disorder can be treated effectively, through long-term psychotherapy with a therapist that has experience in this field.

Some researchers suggest that Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms may occur as early as childhood but begins as early as adolescence or early adulthood (Gunderson, 2007). According to the DSM IV, Individuals with Borderline personality disorder must have at least 5 of the following symptoms (the symptoms must be severe and must go on long enough to cause significant emotional distress or problems functioning in relationships or at work (NIMH, 2008).

So much is tied into identifying the symptoms, which se Borderline Personality Disorder apart from persons suffering with depression or bipolar similarities. Similarities they do share are rages of anger, anxiety and depression that may last a few hours or the next day. The downward spiral often continues with self injury, impulsive aggression, and drug and alcohol abuse. Other components that tend to suffer are career plans, long-term goals, jobs, friendships, gender identity, and values.

Those suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder, is constantly

weighing self worth. Until a slight separation or conflict occurs, they switch unexpectedly to the other extreme and with much anger accuse the other person of not caring for them at all (NIMH, 2008). The symptoms involve making frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, having a pattern of difficult relationships caused by ugmenting between extremes of intense admiration and hatred of others, having an unstable self-image or be unsure of his or her own identity, acting impulsively in ways that are self-damaging, such as luxurious spending, frequent and unprotected sex multiple partners, substance abuse, over eating, careless driving, having recurring suicidal thoughts, make repeated suicide attempts, or cause self-injury such as cutting or burning himself or herself, having frequent emotional overreactions or intense mood swings, including feeling depressed, irritable, or anxious(NIMH, 2008).

These moods swings, usually last a few hours at a time. In rare cases, they may last a day or two, having long-term feelings of emptiness, having inappropriate, fierce anger or problems controlling anger (NIMH, 2008). Or the person may often display temper tantrums or get into physical fights, having temporary episodes of feeling suspicious of others without reason (paranoia) or losing a sense of reality (NIMH, 2008). Symptoms of borderline personality disorder are not caused by another medical condition or by medicines, and they are not a result of long-term substance abuse problems (Friedel, 2004).

Borderline personality disorder may be confused with other conditions with similar symptoms, such as other personality disorders, including antisocial personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder (Friedel, 2004). Conditions that frequently occur with borderline personality disorder include depression or other mood disorders (for example, dysthymic disorder), eating disorders,

especially bulimia nervosa, substance abuse problems, bipolar disorder, which is depression with episodes of mania, panic attacks or panic disorder, and/ or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Friedel, 2004).

Diagnosing individuals with borderline personality disorder can be difficult (Gunderson, 2007). This disorder can go under diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Experienced mental health professionals such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, and licensed clinical social worker can diagnose borderline personality disorder through assessments, interviews and discussing the symptoms with the individual (Gunderson, 2007). No single test can diagnose borderline personality disorder. Scientists funded by NIMH are looking for ways to improve diagnosis of this disorder(Gunderson, 2007).

One study found that adults with borderline personality disorder showed excessive emotional reactions when looking at words with unpleasant meanings, and people with more severe borderline personality disorder showed a more intense emotional response than people who had less severe borderline personality disorder (Gunderson, 2007). Treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder is likely to be through professional counseling like psychotherapy, which provides one-on-one between the therapist and the patient or in a group setting.

Types of therapy commonly used to treat the disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, schema focused therapy, family therapy, and social groups (NIMH, 2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on changing certain thoughts and behavior patterns to control the symptoms of a condition through a goal oriented approach (NIMH, 2008). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may help reduce a range of mood and anxiety symptoms and reduce the number of suicidal or self-harming behaviors(NIMH, 2008).

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a skill building approach that works through the development of four skills: mindful meditation, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation

and distress tolerance (Linehan, 1991). Dialectical behavior therapy goal is to reduce destructive behaviors by teaching healthy ways to adapt to and cope with challenges and feelings of frustration or lack of power (Linehan, 1991). Dialectical Behavior therapy is a system of therapy that was first developed by a psychology researcher from the University of Washington named Marsha M.

Linehan (Linehan, 1991). DBT may be the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be effective in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (Linehan, 1991). Dialectical Behavior(DBT) seeks a balance between changing and accepting beliefs and behaviors. 30 Schema-focused therapy, combines elements of Cognitive Behavior therapy(CBT) with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on reframing schemas, or the ways that people view themselves.

This process is based on the idea that borderline personality disorder stems from a dysfunctional self-image that could have been brought on by multiple events of a distorted childhood experiences, affecting how people react to their environment, interact with others, and cope with problems or stress(NIMH, 2008). Family therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in relationships to mentor them through positive change and development. It stresses family relationships as an important factor in psychological health.

Family therapy, which it can help in educating an individual family about his or her condition and provide support to those with borderline personality disorder ((NIMH, 2008). The challenges of dealing with an ill relative on a daily basis can be very stressful, and family members may unknowingly act in ways that worsen their relative's symptoms. Dialectical Behavior therapy ( DBT) -family skills training (DBT-FST), include family members in treatment sessions. These types of programs help

families develop skills to better understand and support a relative with borderline personality disorder.

Other therapies, such as Family Connections, focus on the needs of family members. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of family therapy in borderline personality disorder patients Some studies with other mental disorders suggest that including family members can help in a person's treatment also Support groups, where a group of people who share similar challenges and characteristics meet and may be conducted by a therapist, who provides moral support, advice, information and other help to each other (NIMH, 2008).

One type of group therapy is Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS), which is designed as a relatively brief treatment consisting of 20 two-hour sessions led by an experienced social worker. Scientists funded by NIMH reported that STEPPS, when used with other types of treatment (medications or individual psychotherapy), can help reduce symptoms and problem behaviors of borderline personality disorder, and relieve symptoms of depression, and improve quality of life (NIMH, 2008).

The effectiveness of this type of therapy has not been extensively studied (NIMH, 2008). The first goal of therapy is to help individuals control destructive behaviors, especially if he or she is feeling suicidal or self-destructive (NIMH, 2008). When individuals are less likely to harm yourself and you are able to function more normally, treatment will focus on managing your emotions, such as controlling feelings of anger or unhappiness (NIMH, 2008). Each patient upon diagnosis can be a candidate for pharmaceutical treatment that will stabilize mood swings and treat depression.

This is contingent upon those who are adaptable to perpetual change. Although the U. S. Food and Drug

Administration is yet to approve medications to treat Border Personality Disorder, many are treated with medications that are in tandem with psychotherapy. While there is no known cure, for Borderline Personality Disorder, the outlook seems promising. The approach now is zeroing in on specific signs and aiding the patients in managing their condition. This approach has helped many in reducing the levels of anxiety, aggression, and depression.

There is still much debate concerning treating the many factions of Borderline Personality Disorder, through concurrent medical prescription. This is because, medication come with many different side effects in many different people. Those who fall victim to this disorder should always consult with their prescribing physician, as there is no “cookie cutter” method for treatment (NIHM, 2008). Studies have concluded that a majority of individuals suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder are victims to previous neglect, abuse, and separation in their formative years.

This is also compounded with environmental and genetic factors. Sexual abuse is reported as being as high as 71% among those who suffer from this condition (NIHM, 2008). Environmental stress, abuse, and /or neglect, can be major factors that will carry into the lives of young adults, which seems to be a pattern for those with Borderline Personality Disorder. This is also true for many adults. It is more common to see activities of violence including rape and other crimes as a part of their victimized history. Both poor judgment, and harmful surroundings are contributing factors.

For those dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder, normal everyday occurrence can lead to extreme meltdowns (Hoffman, 2007, South Carolina Department of Social services handbook 2003). According to research funded by NIMH in the

field of neuroscience a number of brain mechanism have been linked to the impulsivity, mood, instability, negative emotions, anger, and aggression. The panel for that houses impulsive aggression in the brain experience impaired regulations, there by affecting the modulation of emotions according to studies.

There is a small almond shape structure within the core of the brain that is an important component of the panel that regulates negative emotions. When signals of threats are perceived by the brain center, the response is fear and arousal (Preston,O’neal,& Talaga, 2008). This is often compounded when one is under the influence of drugs or stress. Recent images of the brain have been studied. They reveal that individual differences in the ability to activate regions of the prefrontal cerebral cortex.

This is thought to be involved in the inhibitory activity that predicts the ability to suppress negative emotions. Other studies reveal that people who view emotionally negative pictures who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder use different areas of the brain than people without the disorder. People with this condition are more likely to use areas of the brain related to reflexive actions and alertness ( Preston, O’neal, & Talaga, 2008). Borderline personality disorder report a history of abuse, neglect, or separation as young children.

Forty to 71 percent of Borderline personality disorder patients report having been sexually abused, usually by a non-caregiver (South Carolina Department of Social S Borderline personality disorder is 5 times more common among people whose parents or siblings have the disorder. It is also seen more often in families who have other mental health conditions such as antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse problems, and mood disorders like depression(Preston,

O’Neal, & Talaga, 2008). A persons social and/or cultural context may cause one to be at higher risk of dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder.

For example, coming from a community with unstable relationships may increase a person's risk for borderline personality disorder. Poor impulse control, poor lifestyle choices, and other consequences of borderline personality disorder may lead individuals to risky situations (Hoffman, 2007). It is also reported that child sexual abuse is linked to personality disorders as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-mutilation, and more. (Hoffman, 2007).

People who develop borderline personality disorder often have experienced significant childhood trauma, such as sexual, physical, or emotional abuse; neglect; or early loss of or separation from a parent (NIMH, 2008). In conclusion Borderline Personality Disorder is severe mental health disorder that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. BPD can affect every aspect of a person’s life (home, school, personal and professional). There are many symptoms that can mimic other mental health disorders such as depression, self-injurious behaviors, paranoia, and anger.

The difference is that one with bipolar symptoms tends to last longer and appear to be more severe. Psychotherapy (group or individual) appears at this point to be the more commonly used to treat BPD. Psychotropic medications may also be used to help treat BPD. There is no specific cause of BPD some studies show that inheritance, genetics, and one’s culture may be the cause. Some studies show that one’s brain function may be the cause. With continued studies and ongoing research bipolar disorder may become better to understand and better to treat this disorder.

There are several agencies and organizations that those who

suffer for borderline personality disorders can go to seek help:

• Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
• Health maintenance organizations
• Community mental health centers
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
• Mental health programs at universities or medical schools
• State hospital outpatient clinics
• Family services, social agencies, or clergy
• Peer support groups
• Private clinics and facilities Employee assistance programs
• Local medical and psychiatric societies.
• Seek information from primary doctor for resources or referrals if needed.

References

1. Friedel, R. (2004). Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified: An Essential Guide for Understanding and Living with BPD. NY: Marlow and Company.
2. Gunderson JG. (2007). A BPD Brief: An Introduction to Borderline Personality :Disorder Diagnosis, Origins, Course, and Treatment.
3. Hoffman PD, Fruzzetti AE (2007). Advances in interventions for families with a relative with a personality disorder diagnosis.
4. Curry Psychiatry Rep. ;9(1):68–73.
5. Linehan, M. M. ; Armstrong, H. E. ; Suarez, A. ; Allmon, D. ; Heard, H. L. (1991). "Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically Para suicidal borderline patients". Archives of General Psychiatry 48: 1060–64.
6. National Institute of Mental Health (2008). National Institute of Mental Health: Borderline Personality Disorder. Retrieved December 1st 2011, fromhhttp://www. nimh. nih. gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder. shtml.
7. Preston, J. , O’Neal, J. , & Talaga, M. (2008). Handbook of