Case Study #2 – Personality Disorders

Case Study: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Background Information

Patient Name: Jane Doe

Age: 28

Gender: Female

Occupation: Freelance graphic designer

Status: Single

Referral Source: Primary care physician due to concerns about mood instability and self-harming behavior.

Presenting Problem

Jane presents with a history of intense, unstable relationships, emotional dysregulation, and self-harming behaviors. She reports feeling empty and has a profound fear of abandonment. Recently, her primary care physician referred her to a mental health specialist after Jane was hospitalized for an overdose, which she describes as a suicide attempt following a breakup.

Family History

Jane grew up in a tumultuous household with frequent arguments between her parents, who eventually divorced when she was 10. Her mother has a history of depression, and her father has issues with alcohol use.

Personal History

Jane reports a history of emotional and physical abuse by her mother. She had difficulties in school, both academically and socially, often feeling misunderstood and isolated. She has had several short-term romantic relationships, all ending tumultuously. She has a pattern of intense, unstable friendships as well.

Medical History

Jane has a history of anxiety and depression. She has been hospitalized twice for self-harm. She denies any significant medical conditions.

Clinical Symptoms

Emotional Dysregulation: Jane experiences intense mood swings, often triggered by perceived rejection or criticism. She describes these moods as overwhelming and out of control.

Interpersonal Issues: Jane reports a pattern of unstable relationships characterized by intense, conflict-ridden interactions. She often alternates between idealizing and devaluing those close to her.

Self-Harm and Suicidality

Jane has a history of cutting and has attempted suicide twice in the past three years. She describes these actions as ways to cope with her emotional pain.

Identity Disturbance: Jane reports a fluctuating sense of self, often feeling unsure about her goals, values, and identity.

Fear of Abandonment: Jane is terrified of being abandoned and goes to great lengths to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection.

Impulsivity

Jane engages in impulsive behaviors, including binge eating, spending sprees, and substance use.

Diagnosis

Based on the clinical interview and symptom presentation, Jane meets the criteria for Borderline

Personality Disorder (BPD) according to the DSM-5:

• Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
• A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships.
• Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
• Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging.
• Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
• Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.
• Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.
• Treatment Plan
• Psychotherapy

Questions

1. What are the treatment recommendations for this diagnosis?
2. Pharmacological treatments
3. Non-Pharmacological treatments
4. Counseling Options
5. What are the short term goals
6. What are the long term goals

This case study must be 23 pages in length, excluding the title page and reference list. The paper cannot exceed three pages. A minimum of three peerreviewed journal sources is required. All citations and formatting must adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines.

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