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Borderline Personality Disorder

:A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self image and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

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Criteria One

Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.

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Criteria Two

A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.

Shadow

Criteria Three

Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.

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Criteria Four

Impulsivity in at least 2 areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).

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Criteria Five

Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures or threats, or self-mutilating behavior. 

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Criteria Six

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).

Depression

Criteria Seven

Chronic feelings of emptiness.

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Criteria Eight

Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)

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Criteria Nine

Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

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Borderline personality disorder presents symptoms across four main domains: affectivity, interpersonal functioning, impulse control,  and cognition. To receive a diagnosis, individuals must meet at least five out of the nine specific criteria.

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Borderline personality disorder can be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, like a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, through a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, experiences, and family medical history.

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