Reply with a minimum at least 250 words per reply, providing in-depth responses that stimulate additional thought
Option 2 question
Choose one specific personality disorder to research from Table 15.1 in Chapter 15. Briefly list the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Do you believe one’s personality can truly be disordered? Why or why not? What are the implications of diagnosing someone’s personality as disordered? What are the latest research-based treatment strategies for the personality disorder you chose?
Macy Gomez posted
For this discussion, I decided to research Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by impulsivity and instability in relationships and mood (Kring, Johnson, Davison and Neale, 2018). In order to be diagnosed with BPD, an individual must meet five of the DSM-V criteria that includes, but is not limited to: unstable interpersonal relationships, recurrent bouts of intense anger, self-damaging and impulsive behavior relating to sex, substance abuse, spending etc, mood reactivity and more (Kring et al., 2018). BPD is one of the more researched personality disorders, and therefore has more credible treatment options available. Through my research, I will look into what it really means to receive a diagnosis of BPD, and available research-based treatments that can help individuals cope with this disorder.
For personality disorders to even be able to exist, it implies that personality itself can be disordered. When I first thought about whether or not a personality can truly be disordered, the answer seemed simple: yes. However, once I really began thinking about it, it became clear as to why this question may have a more complex answer, after all, who are we to say what makes a personality “normal”? Even once considering the more complex answers to the question, I still believe personalities can truly be disordered. Personally, I believe that some people’s personalities have traits that are not as common, and therefore society may view these people as strange, however this does not qualify as disordered, merely unique, a mistake I think people often make. For a person’s personality to truly be disordered I believe there must be enough deviance in which the disorder may cause some sort of harm to the individual, or cause the individual to harm others. When I say “harm”, I do not strictly mean physical, but also emotional. If the personality disorder causes the individual to be unable to socialize, obtain jobs, make friends etc, I consider this to be harmful. Another key component that keeps me answering “yes” to this question is brain chemistry. As discussed in the textbook, individuals diagnosed with BPD often have diminished connectivity between the brain regions that involve emotion and control, which may explain some of the characteristic symptoms (Kring et al., 2018). Instances such as these, that show undeniable deviance, lead me to believe that personality truly can be disordered.
Receiving a diagnosis of a personality disorder is probably difficult for many individuals, but may also be a relief for some. Being told that your personality, who you are at your core, is disordered is probably a hard pill to swallow for many individuals, and can be difficult to hear. However, knowing there is a reason beyond your personal control for the symptoms these individuals face on a day-to-day basis may also provide some relief to individuals. Beyond the personal aspect, some individuals may face stigmas from others upon receiving their diagnosis. According to Fonagy and colleagues (2015), professionals often do not diagnose BPD in adolescence because of the stigmas these individuals may face as a result, among other reasons. Onset of BPD typically begins in adolescence, but it is usually diagnosed in young adulthood.
Once a diagnosis is made, individuals can begin with treatment. One of the most common treatments for BPD is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is based on the core theory that BPD is a result of a biological disposition to emotionality and growing up in an invalidating environment (Landes, 2013). DBT has shown to be effective in reducing suicidal behaviors, which are especially common in individuals with BPD. According to Landes (2013), DBT typically begins with a behavioral chain analysis that helps professionals and individuals notice “links” in recent events. After the analysis is complete, the professional and the individual will try and find patterns that may predict certain behaviors, so a plan for further treatment that targets these identified behaviors can be put into place. DBT includes group therapy, individual therapy, social skills training and teaching of emotion regulation techniques to help individuals with BPD (Landes, 2013). While DBT is the most well-validated treatment, Fonagy and colleagues (2015) spoke of another treatment that is specific to adolescents. As mentioned before, BPD is rarely diagnosed in adolescence, which can have aversive effects, for adolescence is a key period for intervention. Emotion Regulation Training (ERT), is a group treatment for adolescents that focuses on problems with emotion regulation. ERT uses Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS), to try and help adolescents with BPD traits learn how to better deal with their emotions.
Personality disorders are among some of the least studied, making them carry even more of a stigma. While being diagnosed with BPD definitely has an effect on an individual’s day-to-day life, a diagnosis is also an opportunity to begin seeking treatment. Luckily, the main treatment for BPD is well-validated, and hopefully even more studies will be done to continue improving treatment for these individuals.
References
Fonagy, P., Speranza, M., Luyten, P., Kaess, M., Hessels, C., Bohus, M. (2015). ESCAP expert article: Borderline personality disorder in adolescence: An expert research review with implications for clinical practice. Eur child adolescent psychiatry, 24, 1307-1320. doi. 10.1007/s00787-015-0751-z
Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G. C., and Neale, J. M. (2018). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders (14th ed.) Wiley.
Landes, S.J. (2013). The case: treating jared through dialectical behavior therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(5), 488-499. doi. 10.1002/jclp.21984