Borderline Personality Disorder: Theory and Practice - Research Paper Example

It is also important to recognize that a person with a borderline personality disorder frequently has a repetitive pattern of disorganization and volatility in self-image, mood, behavior, and close personal relationships, which normally causes considerable distress or destruction in friendships and work. Also called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, BPD is characterized by impetuous actions, quickly changing moods, and chaotic relationships. As Richard J. Corelli maintains, "a person with this disorder can often be bright and intelligent, and appear warm, friendly and competent. They sometimes can maintain this appearance for a number of years until their defense structure crumbles, usually around a stressful situation like the breakup of a romantic relationship or the death of a parent." (Corelli). As a result of the various characteristics of this disorder, an individual with BPD frequently meets one emotional crisis after another and he often encounters separation anxiety, dependency, unbalanced self-image, chronic feelings of purposelessness, and threats of self-harm. The various disturbances associated with this disorder have a persistent negative impact on the various psychosocial facets of a person's life. ...