Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
BPD is a complex and serious mental disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of difficulties with emotional regulation and impulse control, as well as instability both in relationships and in self-image, where individuals frequently engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) (e.g., cutting, burning) (Bateman & Fonagy, 2013). Unfortunately, 69-80% of borderline clients present with recurrent suicidal behavior (Bateman & Fonagy). The associated suicide rate is tragically high and estimated at nearly 10% (Prada et al., 2018). The creator of DBT, Marsha Linehan (2017h), describes BPD as "being in hell" and the daily relational battle being the equivalent of "trying to get out of the infernal flames with only a metal ladder." Often times, individuals with BPD are highly stigmatized and struggle to maintain a consistent therapeutic relationship (Linehan, 2017j). Interestingly, Linehan (2017j), the developer of DBT advocates re-naming BPD with the less stigmatizing title of "pervasive emotion dysregulation disorder." However, as of yet this change has not been accepted by the American Psychological Association.
Additionally, borderline individuals frequently struggle with mentalization. Malda-Castillo (2019) describe mentalizing as an “ability to help make sense of one’s own and others’ states of mind regarding desires, intentions, thoughts, feelings and behaviors” (p. 466). An inability to mentalize effectively is often illustrated when an individual becomes upset about someone else’s behavior and makes quick assumptions about their thoughts and intentions without thoughtful consideration (Malda-Castillo). This inability to mentalize effectively creates significant emotional distress and tremendous instability in the individual's relationships (Bateman & Fonagy, 2013). These challenges associated with BPD are illustrated in the video below.
Additionally, borderline individuals frequently struggle with mentalization. Malda-Castillo (2019) describe mentalizing as an “ability to help make sense of one’s own and others’ states of mind regarding desires, intentions, thoughts, feelings and behaviors” (p. 466). An inability to mentalize effectively is often illustrated when an individual becomes upset about someone else’s behavior and makes quick assumptions about their thoughts and intentions without thoughtful consideration (Malda-Castillo). This inability to mentalize effectively creates significant emotional distress and tremendous instability in the individual's relationships (Bateman & Fonagy, 2013). These challenges associated with BPD are illustrated in the video below.
