Personality disorder

Sample Solution

     

Personality Disorder Selected: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria for BPD

A diagnosis of BPD is made when a person meets five or more of the following criteria:

1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating extremes of idealization and devaluation.

Full Answer Section

     

1. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
2. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).
3. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
4. Affective instability due to 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).
5. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
6. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
7. Transient, stress-related dissociative symptoms (e.g., derealization or depersonalization).

Therapeutic Approach and Modality Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach that has been shown to be effective in treating BPD. DBT is a skills-based therapy that teaches clients how to manage their emotions, tolerate distress, and improve their relationships. I would select DBT for a client presenting with BPD because it is a well-established and effective treatment for this disorder. DBT is also a relatively flexible approach that can be tailored to the individual needs of the client. Appropriateness of DBT for BPD DBT is appropriate for BPD because it teaches clients skills that are essential for managing the symptoms of this disorder. DBT skills can help clients to:

• Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.
• Regulate their emotions and tolerate distress.
• Manage impulsive behaviors.
• Improve their communication and relationship skills.

Therapeutic Relationship in Psychiatry A therapeutic relationship in psychiatry is a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client. The goal of the therapeutic relationship is to help the client improve their mental health and well-being. The therapeutic relationship is based on trust, empathy, and respect. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where the client can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Sharing Your Diagnosis with the Client It is important to share your diagnosis with the client in a way that is clear, concise, and sensitive. You should avoid using jargon or technical language. You should also explain the diagnosis in a way that is consistent with the client's cultural background and understanding of mental illness. Here is an example of how you might share the diagnosis of BPD with a client: "Based on our discussions and my assessment, I believe that you meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder. BPD is a mental health condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty regulating emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors. I want to assure you that BPD is a treatable condition. There are a number of evidence-based therapies that can help you to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life." Sharing Your Diagnosis with an Individual, Family, and Group When sharing your diagnosis with an individual, you should focus on the client's understanding of the diagnosis and their treatment goals. You should also discuss the client's concerns about the diagnosis and how it may impact their life. When sharing your diagnosis with a family, you should focus on educating the family about the disorder and how they can support the client. You should also discuss the family's concerns about the diagnosis and how it may impact the family system. When sharing your diagnosis with a group, you should focus on the group's understanding of the disorder and how they can support each other. You should also discuss the group's concerns about the diagnosis and how it may impact the group dynamics. Conclusion It is important to carefully consider the individual needs of the client when selecting a therapeutic approach and modality. DBT is a well-established and effective treatment for BPD. When sharing your diagnosis with the client, it is important to be clear, concise, and sensitive. You should also tailor your approach to the individual, family, or group setting.