Nur2488 Module 07 Borderline Personality Disorder Cas 461827

Nur2488 Module 07 Borderline Personality Disorder Case Studysis A 48

Nur2488 Module 07 Borderline Personality Disorder Case Study A 48

S. is a 48-year-old divorced woman with one adult daughter and three grandchildren. She is currently working as an LPN part-time in a nursing home and works at a convenience store one or two days per week. She has had many jobs over the last 22 years, usually changing every one or two years to a new job. S. notes that she has been called less often to work in the convenience store and worries that they don’t like her anymore. She reports being written up several times for arguing with customers.

She also reports that she liked her supervisor at first; she says, “Now I hate her; she’s trying to get me fired.” S. reports that she has tried to get full-time jobs five times in the last four years, was hired for three but only lasted one or two weeks at each one. S. reports that she is currently not talking to her daughter because “she is mean to me and she needs to apologize, or I won’t talk to her again.” She is upset that she hasn’t seen her three small grandchildren in about a year. She sends them presents and cards frequently that say “I still love you! Grandma,” but hasn’t called them since she stopped talking to her daughter. She is considering reporting to the county that her daughter is keeping her grandchildren from her.

S. is very unhappy that she isn’t in a relationship. She was abused by her ex-husband and had a pattern of meeting and dating men who eventually abused her. She states that her last relationship was very good; the man was not abusive, and “I loved him very much.” The relationship ended for reasons that S. doesn’t understand. However, she does report many arguments that ended in “scenes,” such as her throwing chairs, stomping out of the house, making crank phone calls to his family, and calling the police with false reports. But S. also reports that she “couldn’t have loved him more, and I showed it.” She gives examples of going to her boyfriend’s place of work with flowers, buying him expensive presents, surprising him with tickets to Mexico at the last minute – she was very upset that he wasn’t willing to drop everything and go with her.

S. reports asking him why he didn’t love her and what she was doing wrong regularly. When the boyfriend asked to break up, S. reported sitting outside his house for weeks, crying; she called his mother, called his boss, and called and texted him until he filed a restraining order. This occurred about four months ago. S. admitted herself to the mental health unit when she felt suicidal. She reports that she had stopped her psychotherapy three months ago and stopped going to DBT. She also stopped her anti-depressant at that time, as she felt it wasn’t working, and missed her last two psychiatrist appointments.

Paper For Above instruction

This case study presents a comprehensive overview of S., a 48-year-old woman exhibiting characteristics consistent with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The detailed behavioral descriptions, emotional patterns, and interpersonal difficulties are central to understanding her psychological profile and guiding treatment approaches.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), BPD manifests through symptoms such as intense fear of abandonment, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation,volatile relationships, and recurrent self-harm or suicidal behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). S.’s history of unstable employment, tumultuous romantic relationships, intense emotional responses, and suicidal episodes strongly suggest the presence of BPD.

The pattern of shifting employment, frequent arguments, and feelings of rejection by her employer reflect potential difficulties with emotional regulation and interpersonal stability. Her concern about her perceived mistreatment by her supervisor and her fear of being disliked or rejected align with the hallmark symptom of fear of abandonment in BPD. Her relationship history further exemplifies this, where her intense involvement, emotional investment, and subsequent crises—such as behavioral outbursts, accusations, and obsessional behaviors—are typical of BPD patients (Lieb et al., 2004).

S.’s strained relationship with her daughter and grandchildren highlights issues related to interpersonal difficulties and emotional dysregulation. Her belief that her daughter is “mean” and her desire for her daughter to apologize illustrate her black-and-white thinking, a common cognitive distortion found in BPD. Her emotional reactions—feeling upset, angry, and vengeful—are indicative of rapid mood shifts and impulsivity.

Her history of abusive relationships, particularly the recent breakup with her boyfriend, further demonstrates characteristics typical of BPD, such as intense fear of abandonment, unregulated emotional expression, and impulsive, self-destructive behaviors like calling police with false reports or hanging around her ex’s residence for weeks crying. Her statement, “I loved him very much,” coupled with her drinking and spending behaviors, underscores her difficulty with emotional regulation and attachment.

S.’s previous suicidal ideation, hospitalization, and recent discontinuation of treatment signal instability in her mental health management. The cessation of psychotherapy, DBT, and medication suggests she may lack sufficient coping skills or support, which are crucial in managing BPD symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is recognized as the most effective evidence-based treatment for BPD, focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness (Linehan, 2014).

Addressing S.’s condition involves a multidisciplinary approach integrating psychotherapeutic treatment, medication management, and social support. Therapeutic strategies must prioritize rebuilding trust, improving emotional regulation, and fostering stability in her relationships. Psychotherapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or mentalization-based treatment (MBT) have shown efficacy in reducing problematic behaviors and emotional dysregulation in BPD patients (Bateman & Fonagy, 2004).

Medication may also be employed to manage comorbid symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Pharmacological options include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants, tailored to the individual's symptomatology (Soler et al., 2009).

Furthermore, social support systems and psychoeducation for family members are essential components to improve her interpersonal functioning and reduce relational conflict. Encouraging her to re-engage with mental health services, including ongoing therapy and medication adherence, is paramount for sustained improvement.

In conclusion, S.’s clinical profile highlights the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support in managing borderline personality disorder. Her case underscores the challenges faced by individuals with BPD and the necessity for a compassionate, structured intervention to promote stability, improve quality of life, and foster healthier relationships.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
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• Lieb, K., Zanarini, M. C., Schore, A. N., & Oldham, J. M. (2004). Borderline personality disorder. The Lancet, 364(9432), 453-462.
• Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT® skills training manual. Guilford Publications.
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