A personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of behaviour that deviates from that of the community or culture a person lives in. All personality disorders may be diagnosed by changes in thinking, feelings or the interpersonal functioning of a person. This behaviour is noticeable in adulthood and across various environments, such as work or social relationships. In Borderline Personality Disorder, a person may have an unstable self-image or identity. Intense emotions, such as irritability or anxiety may also be a reactive response to situations that people find themselves in. Poor interpersonal relationships also characterize someone with Borderline Personality Disorder where they may idealise someone and then very quickly make deprecating comments about them. A person with Borderline Personality Disorder also struggles with impulsive behaviour. This may be seen in potentially self-destructive behaviours such as cutting, sex, spending or substance abuse. A person may also have a tendency to do everything in their power to avoid an acute sense of abandonment or feelings of emptiness they may have. Intense anger or difficulties in controlling anger may also be present in someone with Borderline Personality Disorder. Certain therapies can assist someone who has a Borderline Personality Disorder. These include dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) with its focus on emotional regulation, handling conflict and establishing boundaries in relationships.
