Personality disorders

Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 51. Chapters: Borderline personality disorder, Psychopathy, Schizoid personality disorder, Management of borderline personality disorder, Antisocial personality disorder, Dependent personality disorder, Narcissistic personality disorder, Avoidant personality disorder, Idée fixe, Histrionic personality disorder, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Depressive personality disorder, Passive-aggressive behavior, Schizotypal personality disorder, Paranoid personality disorder, Joan Lachkar, Sadistic personality disorder, Self-defeating personality disorder, Personality disorder not otherwise specified, Queen bee syndrome, Personality pathology. Excerpt: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder described as a prolonged disturbance of personality function in a person (generally over the age of eighteen years, although it is also found in adolescents), characterized by depth and variability of moods. The disorder typically involves unusual levels of instability in mood; black and white thinking, or splitting; the disorder often manifests itself in idealization and devaluation episodes, as well as chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior; as well as a disturbance in the individual's sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periods of dissociation. BPD splitting includes a switch between idealizing and demonizing others. This, combined with mood disturbances, can undermine relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. BPD disturbances also may include self-harm. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen, leading (in extreme cases) to suicide attempts. There is an ongoing debate among clinicians and patients worldwide about terminology and the use of the word borderline, and some have suggested that this disorder should be renamed. The ICD-10 manual has an alternative definition and terminology to this disorder, called Emotionally unstable personality disorder. There is related concern that the diagnosis of BPD stigmatizes people and supports pejorative and discriminatory practices. Borderline personality disorder is a diagnosis about which many articles and books have been written, yet about which very little is known based on empirical research. Studies suggest that individuals with BPD tend to experience frequent, strong and long-lasting states of aversive tension, often triggered by perceived rejection, being alone or perceived failure. Individuals with BPD may show lability (changeability) between anger and anxiety or between depression and anxiety and temperamental sensitivity to emotive stimuli. The nega