BPD: definitions, possible subtypes and resources
Definition of BPD and diagnostic criteria
The DSM, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the official source of diagnostic information for psychiatric disorders, including BPD and related conditions. For each disorder, the DSM provides a list of symptoms and specifies how many symptoms are needed to warrant a particular diagnosis.
In the DSM, BPD is described as a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion, as well as 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
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by extremes between idealization and devaluation (also known as "splitting")
3. Identity disturbance: markedly or persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
4. Impulsive behavior in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-harming behavior
6. Emotional instability in reaction to day-to-day events (e.g., intense episodic sadness, 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
Possible subtypes of BPD
In the DSM, there is no mention of possible BPD subtypes. There is at the moment no firm consensus about what these subtypes of borderline personality disorder actually are. Many theories have been developed. One of the most widely recognized system of classification for BPD subtypes was created by American psychologist Theodore Millon. Millon has idetified the following subtypes:
1. Discouraged borderline
2. Impulsive borderline
3. Petulant borderline
4. Self-destructive borderline
Discouraged Borderline
Individuals exhibiting discouraged borderline symptoms often seem needy and dependent, but they secretly harbor a lot of anger towards others and are easily disillusioned. Those who fit the discouraged borderline profile have a strong desire for acceptance and approval, but they are haunted by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, which makes them prone to depression.
People with discouraged borderline tendencies are more likely than other BPD sufferers to resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism, and if they dont get the help they need they can eventually become suicidal.
Impulsive Borderline
People with impulsive borderline symptoms can be energetic, charismatic, and exciting to be around. But they are easily bored and are quick to become angry or upset when others let them down (according to their perceptions), and as a result they are frequently involved in conflicts. Impulsive borderline types like to be noticed but also have strong antisocial instincts, meaning they prefer to control the direction of their social engagements.
Their need to be the center of attention and avoid boredom can lead them to practice a wide range of risky behaviors. Men and women with impulsive borderline tendencies often act rashly without considering the consequences, and they frequently suffer injuries or fall victim to addiction as a result of their actions.
Petulant Borderline
Individuals showing petulant borderline characteristics are unpredictable and difficult to please. They are often irritable and prone to outbursts of anger and frustration, and they are impatient with other people and quick to become disillusioned when they dont get what they want.
As a consequence of their tendency to be willful and defiant, people with petulant borderline traits are often stubborn, defensive, and unwilling to admit when they are wrong. Their relationships can be loving but are always complex, and they often engage in passive-aggressive behaviors as a way of lashing out at people who displease them.
Self-destructive Borderline
As the name suggests, people exhibiting self-destructive borderline symptoms are their own worst enemies. They are prone to all types of dangerous behavior, and they have a tendency to sabotage themselves when it appears they might be making progress in life.
Those who suffer from self-destructive borderline systems lack a stable sense of self, and they are so dependent on others that their fear of abandonment often runs out of control. Men and women with self-destructive borderline symptoms are frequently moody, bitter, and filled with anger they may or may not express. Much of their difficulty is caused by unconscious and unacknowledged desires, which can interfere with their ability to benefit from therapy.
BPD Resources (this post will be constantly updated, please feel free to add other resources as well)
Videos:
Back From the Edge. This video was created by the Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. I personally find it deeply moving. In the video, afew people talk about how BPD has affected their lifes.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder? This video was created by therapist Kati Morton. She gives a definition of BPD, then explains causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms and treatment. There are a few of other videos on BPD you can find on her channel.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder? This video was created by counselor Todd Grande. It gives a definition of BPD, then explains its symptons quite in detail and treatment possibilities.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder? In this short video, therapist Jane Robinson describes the symptoms and traits that are often exhibited by those who may be suffering from borderline personality disorder. She also explains the origin of the term.
