125 "Borderline personality" according to the conventional secular experts
Nov 6, 2023
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Explore the internal experience and origins of borderline personality disorder, the diagnostic criteria and symptoms, genetic vulnerability and impact of early attachment issues on BPD. Discover different types of BPD and treatment approaches. Also, understand the challenges faced by family members caring for a loved one with BPD and the positive outlook of recovery over time.
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.
Therapeutic approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic therapy can help manage symptoms and promote self-awareness.
Living with someone with borderline characteristics can be challenging, requiring education, support, and setting healthy boundaries.
Deep dives
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in personal relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with borderline dynamics often struggle with emotional regulation, intense interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity. They may experience feelings of emptiness, chronic insecurity, and difficulties with identity. Borderline Personality Disorder can be challenging to diagnose and has a complex history. Therapeutic approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mentalization-based treatment, Schema therapy, and Psychodynamic therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms and promoting self-awareness. Family therapy and support can also play a crucial role in providing understanding and assistance for both individuals with borderline dynamics and their loved ones.
The Emotional Struggles of Borderline Personality Disorder
People with Borderline Personality Disorder often experience intense and rapidly changing emotions. They may struggle with emotional regulation, vacillate between extreme moods, and have difficulty tolerating distress. Feelings of anger, shame, fear, and despair are common. These emotional experiences can be overwhelming and may lead to impulsive behaviors, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. Individuals with borderline dynamics also frequently struggle with a lack of consistent self-image and a fear of abandonment. Therapy approaches aim to help individuals manage and understand their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Supporting Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder
Living with someone who has borderline characteristics can be challenging. Family members and loved ones often witness intense emotional experiences, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties with relationships. It is important for family members to educate themselves about Borderline Personality Disorder and seek support for themselves. Developing a strong and empathetic working alliance with therapists, practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking family therapy can help provide understanding, support, and guidance for both individuals with borderline dynamics and their loved ones.
People with borderline personality characteristics struggle with understanding others' internal experiences, often seeing them in black and white terms. These individuals exhibit paradoxical behaviors, seeking attention and affection while also being contrary and combative. This inconsistency can lead to rejection and turbulent relationships. The central defensive mechanisms used by those with borderline dynamics include splitting, projected identification, denial, dissociation, and acting out. Splitting involves dichotomizing others into extreme representations of either all good or all bad, while projected identification occurs when individuals project their own emotions onto others and manipulate social interactions to elicit those emotions. Denial, dissociation, and acting out are additional defense mechanisms used to avoid or deflect unpleasant thoughts, feelings, or desires. Regression, a return to immature coping patterns, is also common among those with borderline personality characteristics.
Causes and Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder has both genetic and environmental factors. Studies indicate a potential genetic vulnerability, with a higher likelihood of diagnosis among first-degree biological relatives. Early attachment issues, developmental arrests, and severe relational trauma also contribute to the development of borderline personality disorder. The disorder arises from unmet attachment needs, such as safety, recognition, reassurance, delight, love, and belonging. Individuals with borderline dynamics often lack a sense of safety, recognition, and reassurance, leading to feelings of self-loathing, anxiety, and difficulty in maintaining relationships. Externalizing difficulties, blaming others, disregarding reality, and maintaining peace through manipulation are common challenges faced when living with someone exhibiting borderline characteristics. Coping strategies involve becoming educated about borderline dynamics, setting boundaries, practicing patience, and engaging in self-care.
This episode focuses on the internal experience of borderline personality dynamics, what it feels like. Next, I share how “borderline” is a relatively new diagnosis, and previously indicated a range of personality development, rather than a specific disorder. I then discuss the standard diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 and the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, 2nd Ed., summarizing the symptoms in plain English. I explore the etiology or the origin of “borderline personality” and the underlying unmet attachment needs that fuel borderline dynamics. I describe different subtypes of borderline presentations and explore the types of partners to whom those with borderline dynamics are romantically attracted. From there, I describe five major treatment approaches and briefly discuss an outcome study. In closing, I review some suggestions for living with someone who presents with borderline characteristics.
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