DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS 1

Nursing; Borderline Personality Disorder

Student’s Name

Institution’s Affiliations
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Describe the presenting problems.

Based on the evidence provided in Vee's case, it is evident that she shows the following

symptoms;

 Fear of being alone and abandonment

 A distorted and changing self-image

 Relationship instability due to psychological stressors and poor attitude

 Mood swings

 History of self-harm shown by the cuts

 Suicidal tendencies

 Feelings of emptiness at chronic levels

 Emotional imbalance

 Explosive rage or anger

 Concentration deficits

 Self-destructive behaviorism and impulsivity

 Feelings of anxiety

 Substance abuse

 Feeling of guilt after conducting actions that hurt a person she loves

Generate a primary and differential diagnosis using the DSM5 and ICD 10 codes.

In Vee’s case, the primary diagnosis is Borderline Personality Disorder. The diagnosis is

based on the evidence of symptoms such as extreme mood swings and unclear self-image rage

that leads to unstable relationships with peers and other groups she associates with within

society. Also, BPD presents itself through outbursts of anger that later on turn to guilt, especially

after hurting a spouse or close friend. The chronic feelings of emptiness lead to self-destructive

behaviorism such as cutting and attempted suicide. As for the differential diagnosis for Vee’s
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case, other diagnoses to be considered include schizophrenia, narcissistic personality disorder,

bipolar, antisocial personality disorder and clinical depression.

Discuss which cluster this diagnosis belongs to.

According to DSM-5, BPD is categorized under cluster B characterized by extremely

emotional, unpredictable, and dramatic behavior that makes it difficult to maintain relationships

(Trull, 2018). Patients also display impulsive symptoms that lead to risky behaviors such as

excessive drinking and poor sexual practices. Cluster B personality disorders also include

disorders such histrionic personality disorders and narcissistic personality disorder. These

disorders are mostly distinguished for the emotional characteristic that makes them difficult to

manage.

Formulate and prioritize a treatment plan.

Psychological disorders are rarely caused by one single factor as they are rooted in

multiple factors that are biological, social, psychological, cultural, political, or familial (Durand,

2019). The treatment plan for BPD is predominantly psychotherapy. However, therapists can use

medications to supplement the therapy process. Using a bio-psychosocial approach can also be

beneficial in the management of such mental diseases. The priority of the treatment process is to

help the patient to manage and cope with the condition. Treatment, therefore, should prioritize

psychotherapy as the main course of treatment. The treatment will also incorporate behavioral

and cognitive therapy that enables the patients to identify their negative thought processes and

psychological stressors to establish how they can better live by improving their attitudes, moods,

and self-perception. Group psychotherapy will help her share her feelings and realize that she is

not the only one with a personality disorder. This will facilitate self-acceptance and improve her

social life. Family psychotherapy also will involve her boyfriend and Vee’s family members.
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Upon receiving her diagnosis, she will need emotional support. Rebuilding her interpersonal

relationships is important for her recovery. It is also recommendable she engages in leisure

activities with family and peers to establish new and better relationships with people. Paying

more focus on functional outcomes, especially vocational and social, will produce more positive

outcomes (Chanen, 2020).

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References

Chanen, A. M., Nicol, K., Betts, J. K., & Thompson, K. N. (2020). Diagnosis and treatment of

borderline personality disorder in young people. Current psychiatry reports, 22(5), 1-8.

Durand, V. M., Barlow, D. H., & Hoffman, S. G. (2018). Essentials of abnormal psychology +

MindTap psychology, (8th ed.). Cengage. ISBN: 9781337619370.

Trull, T. J., Freeman, L. K., Vebares, T. J., Choate, A. M., Helle, A. C., & Wycoff, A. M. (2018).

Borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders: an updated

review. Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation.