Cycle 1 - Flashcard Set 3
How does anxiety manifest itself in those who have BPD?
Differently than in those who do not have the disorder
How can we help those with anxiety and BPD?
By understanding the differences and how to best help each individual
What are the nine main symptoms of borderline personality disorder?
Impulsivity, instability, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, inappropriate anger, dissociation or depersonalization, paranoid thoughts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation
What are some of the things that people with borderline personality disorder may experience?
Dysregulated moods and emotions, a fear of abandonment, feelings of emptiness, suicidal ideation, and self-harm
What is the difference between someone with BPD traits and someone with a full-blown personality disorder?
That not everyone will experience the symptoms in the same way
Why is it important to not overgeneralize the disorder?
Because the stories that we hear or that we read on the internet are not representative of every single person who does have BPD
What are some symptoms of BPD?
Dissociation, intense anger or rage
What is the prevalence of anxiety among people with BPD?
Half of people with BPD also suffer from anxiety
Why do people with BPD often suffer from anxiety?
The symptoms of BPD, including dysregulated emotions and a fear of abandonment, may contribute to anxiety
What is the main symptom of BPD?
Interpersonal difficulties
What kind of relationships do those with BPD tend to have difficulty maintaining?
Interpersonal relationships
Why would someone with BPD have anxiety around people or in certain situations?
They have a history of neglect and abuse
What does it mean if someone’s parents were not attuned to their sensitivity?
They may have ignored or invalidated them
Can different types of abandonment look different for different people?
Yes
What is the most likely attachment style for someone with a history of abuse?
Disorganized
What is the difference between an anxious attachment style and an avoidant attachment style?
An anxious attachment style refers to a constant fear of abandonment, while avoidant attachment style means a person is more likely to avoid close relationships
What can cause a person to develop an anxious or avoidant attachment style?
A history of abuse or neglect
What is one of the main things that drives anxiety for those with BPD?
The fear of abandonment
What might happen if someone with BPD is late for an event?
They may be anxious about making a bad impression or being left behind
Why do people with BPD tend to ruminate more?
They may worry about time management and other things that those without BPD may not worry about
What is cognitive diffusion?
An acceptance and commitment therapy strategy that allows us to create space between thoughts, sensations, and feelings
How does cognitive diffusion help with anxiety and BPD?
By allowing us to create space between thoughts, sensations, and feelings, which prevents us from getting attached to a thought and acting in accordance to it
What happens when we get attached to a thought?
We act in accordance to it, which can lead to the snowball effect of more anxiety
How can cognitive diffusion prevent the snowball effect of anxiety?
By creating space between thoughts, sensations, and feelings
