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Borderline Personality Disorder 
American Description 

Diagnostic Criteria
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 following: 
frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5. 
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 
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. 
recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior 
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) 
chronic feelings of emptiness 
inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights) 
transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms 

Associated Features
Depressed Mood 
Addiction 
Dramatic/Erratic/Antisocial Personality 

Differential Diagnosis
Mood Disorders; Histrionic Personality Disorder; Schizotypal Personality Disorder; Paranoid Personality Disorder; Narcissistic Personality Disorder; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Dependent Personality Disorder; Personality Change Due to a General Medical Condition; symptoms that may develop in association with chronic substance use; Identity Problem. 

Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D. 

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

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