How to Recognize Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
- 1). Note a pervasive pattern of difficulties in interpersonal relationships, poor self-image and impulsive behavior that begins in early adulthood and continues over the course of a lifetime. Of the specific symptoms that follow, the person must exhibit at least five in order to be considered as having BPD.
- 2). Note if a patient appears to fear abandonment, whether real or imagined. Patients will often tell significant others, therapists or doctors not to leave them, or accuse them of leaving them unjustly.
- 3). Look for a pattern of unstable, intense personal relationships that seem to be ideal relationships at one point and hateful relationships at another. This is called "splitting," and can be a part of any relationship.
- 4). Check for an unstable self-image. Patients will often complain of not knowing themselves or not even having a sense of self.
- 5). Look for recurring suicide attempts and/or reactivity of mood that is unstable. These mood swings can include irritability, anxiety or simply intensity of feeling/mood.
- 6). Notice inappropriate or highly intense anger. The patient may be unable to control this anger or get it to dissipate.
- 7). Check into any self-damaging behaviors like over-spending, over-eating, substance abuse, reckless driving or self-harming behavior.
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