Borderline personality disorder is a disorder where there is a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five or more of the criteria given in the DSM-IV. This is the definition is straight from the DSM-IV. There are nine traits that people with this disorder seem to have in common and are listed in the DSM-IV. They are:.
1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. .
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. .
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5. .
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days). .
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. .
Borderline personality disorder is one of the most common personality disorders. People who suffer from this disorder tend to have very turbulent relationships because they fear abandonment. They lack the capability to have control over their emotions and tend to take part in self-mutilation by burning or cutting themselves. People do this to themselves because they feel that it reduces their tension.
