Borderline Personality Disorder

Question 1

Briefly describe the Cluster A type personality

Answer 1

Individuals tend to be persistently cold, awkward, and isolative
Exhibit low reward dependence, high harm avoidance, low novelty seeking, high persistence, low cooperativeness, high self directedness

Question 2

Briefly describe the Cluster B type personality

Answer 2

Tend to be highly emotional, labile, and distressed (particularly in relationships)
Exhibit high reward dependence, low harm avoidance, high novelty seeking, low persistence, high cooperativeness, and variable self directedness

Question 3

Briefly describe the Cluster C type personality

Answer 3

Tend to be anxious and inhibited in social relationships
Exhibit high reward dependence, high harm avoidance, low novelty seeking, variable persistence, high cooperativeness, high self directedness

Question 4

What are the DSMV criteria for borderline personality disorder?

Answer 4

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:
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 alternat­
ing 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.