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.[n 1] 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.

1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-
injuring behavior covered in Criterion 5
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating
between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., promiscuous sex, eating
disorders, binge eating, substance abuse, reckless driving). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-
injuring behavior covered in Criterion 5
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats or self-injuring behavior such as cutting, interfering
with the healing of scars (excoriation) or picking at oneself.
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability
or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness
8. Inappropriate anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant
anger, recurrent physical fights).
9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation, delusions or severe dissociative symptoms

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is the frontal part of the cingulate cortex, that resembles a "collar"
form around the corpus callosum, the fibrous bundle that relays neural signals between the right and
left cerebral hemispheres of the brain. It includes both the ventral and dorsal areas of the cingulate
cortex, and appears to play a role in a wide variety of autonomic functions, such as regulating blood
pressure and heart rate, as well as rational cognitive functions, such as reward anticipation, decision-
making, empathy[1] and emotion.