Briefly Describe The Personality Disorder You Selected

Briefly describe the personality disorder you selected, including the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria

The personality disorder selected for this discussion is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), BPD is characterized by pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity. To meet the diagnostic criteria, an individual must exhibit at least five of the following symptoms within a pattern of instability since early adulthood: frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment; a markedly unstable and intense interpersonal relationship characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation; identity disturbance and markedly unstable self-image; impulsivity in areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, and binge eating); recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats or self-mutilating behavior; affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood; chronic feelings of emptiness; inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger; transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). This pattern causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Patients often experience difficulty maintaining emotional stability and healthy relationships, which complicates treatment and recovery efforts.

Therapeutic approach and modality for treating Borderline Personality Disorder

For individuals presenting with BPD, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is widely regarded as an effective therapeutic approach. Developed specifically for BPD, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help clients regulate intense emotions, develop distress tolerance skills, and improve interpersonal effectiveness (Linehan, 2015). The modality primarily used in DBT includes individual psychotherapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and treatment team consultation. This comprehensive approach is appropriate because BPD involves emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, and DBT directly targets these core issues by teaching practical skills to manage emotional reactions and reduce self-destructive behaviors (Wheeler, 2020). The evidence supports DBT's efficacy in reducing suicidal behaviors, hospitalizations, and self-harm incidents among individuals with BPD, making it a justified choice based on the disorder's symptomatic profile (Lynch et al., 2022).

The therapeutic relationship in psychiatry

A therapeutic relationship in psychiatry is a professional alliance between clinician and client characterized by trust, empathy, mutual respect, and active collaboration. Establishing this relationship is crucial for effective treatment, as it fosters open communication and enhances adherence to therapeutic interventions (Krupnick et al., 2021). When sharing a diagnosis such as BPD, it is vital to do so with sensitivity, clarity, and honesty to avoid damaging trust or eliciting stigma. For example, explaining the diagnosis in accessible language, emphasizing that it is a treatable mental health condition, and focusing on strengths and coping strategies can promote understanding and engagement (Barnes et al., 2018). Sharing diagnosis with different audiences requires tailored communication approaches:

• With an individual: Openly discuss the diagnosis while validating their feelings; provide reassurance about treatment options and prognosis.
• With family members: Offer a collaborative session to educate them about the disorder, addressing concerns and emphasizing the importance of support and understanding.
• In group sessions: Maintain confidentiality, focus on shared experiences, and foster mutual support, while being cautious not to stigmatize or label others.

Using specific examples from resources like the work of Paris (2015) on psychiatric diagnoses and Barnes et al. (2018) on communication strategies, clinicians can maintain a therapeutic alliance that promotes recovery and minimizes harm or misunderstanding.

Conclusion

Effective treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder relies on selecting evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as DBT, which directly address the core symptoms. Establishing a strong, empathetic therapeutic relationship is foundational in fostering client engagement and ensuring the transparency of diagnosis sharing. Tailoring disclosure strategies appropriately for individuals, families, and groups can help preserve trust and facilitate positive treatment outcomes. Incorporating these practices grounded in current research advances mental health care and supports the recovery process for those living with personality disorders.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
• Barnes, S., Barnett, J. E., & Williams, M. (2018). Communicating diagnosis in psychiatric practice: Strategies for enhancing therapeutic alliance. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 24(2), 105–112.
• Krupnick, J., Gretton, M., & Duffy, A. (2021). The therapeutic alliance in psychiatric treatment: Essential components and clinical implications. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 44(3), 459–472.
• Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Publications.
• Lynch, T. R., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 52(8), 1461–1472.
• Paris, J. (2015). Psychotherapies. In A concise guide to personality disorders (pp. 119–135).
• Wheeler, K. (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.