Borderline Personality Disorder

• frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.



• a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by



• alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation



• identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self; or sense of long-term goals; or career choices, types of friends desired or values preferred



• impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging: for example; spending, sex, substance abuse, and binge eating



• recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior affective instability: marked shifts from baseline mood to depression, 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; frequent displays of temper



• transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

It should be noted that many of the traits associated as being BPD traits are commonly found in the general population as well. The line is drawn between the average and the Borderline Personality Disorder person by the number of characteristics listed above that effect them along with the severity or intensity of that affect.

In Borderline Personality Disorder, like DID (MPD), there is a likelihood of a trauma history: "Physical and sexual abuse, neglect, hostile conflict, and early parental loss or separation are more common in the childhood histories of those with Borderline Personality Disorder."

Borderline Personality Disorder Expounded Upon

Borderline Personality Disorder is a very extensive and pervasive disorder in the lives of those who have it and the lives of those who care and or love them and in the lives of those who treat them.

Borderline individuals are often looked at in as black and white a way by significant others and clinicians as is true of the view of the borderline toward them. Living with the pain and the cognitive distortions of borderline personality disorder, (BPD) does not have to be a life sentence. Growth, change and healing are very possible. They come with a high price though. One must be dedicated to this process in order to successfully journey through it. It is not a short or simple process but it is one that is frought with much pain. I have often wondered and tried, though not too successfully, really, to compare what has been the most painful aspects of BPD for me:

1. Having it,
2. Living with it, or
3. Healing from it.

It is somewhat of a toss up really in that there is pain involved with all three aspects of experience.

No matter how much pain one has to work through, endure and learn how to hold in healing, living with BPD, is by far much more painful when there is not active work and treatment to change, grow, heal and manage one's symptoms.

BPD, no doubt needs to be better defined than it currently is. Many clinicians do not think it is necessary or that it would be beneficial to tell their clients or patients that they, in fact, have been diagnosed with BPD. Finding out the diagnosis was the beginning of a long process of slow learning about just what it meant and involved. It was this educational process, and in therapy, that helped to, piece by piece, come to terms with what BPD is, what it means and what was required to change one's life.

Borderline personality disorder is a nightmare riddled with pain and angst. It is possible to take the control back and reclaim one's self, the self that was lost to and through so much as a child. One may gradually be able to take the walls down and to among other things, learn that boundaries, while essential, do not have to be brick walls. One does not have to control or manipulate those around them, or the environment around them in order to feel and be safe. A person may learn that they are indeed an adult and not a child. [Ms. A.J. Mahari>

Canadian Quotes of The Day ... and more [on the lighter side]

17 Die of Legionnaire's Disease in Canada ~ TORONTO Oct 7, 2005 - An elderly woman died Friday of an apparent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at an Ontario nursing home, bringing to 17 the number of people fatally infected by the disease at the facility. [read on]

Edition No. 34
Insight EFAP International