Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder that causes its patients to have unstable behavior, moods, and relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may undergo extreme episodes of anxiety, anger, and depression that last long periods. the main symptoms include impulsivity, emotional instability, insecurity, impaired social relationships and feelings of worthlessness. The mental disorder is treatable by medical professionals through talk therapy and is severe cases medication and hospitalization. For this essay, I interviewed three individuals to determine their level of knowledge about borderline personality disorder or lack thereof. During the interview, I was able to add to their knowledge from what I had learned in class.
The first individual I interviewed was quite informed on the borderline personality mental disorder. He knew that it was a serious mental disorder characterized by unstable moods and feelings of self-doubt. The individual was also aware that BPD patients exhibited self-injurious behavior and would constantly cut their bodies and in severe cases suicide attempts and complete suicide. The individual additionally informed me that patients with BPD are associated with bouts of aggression, drug abuse and distortion of thoughts. Distortion in thoughts often leads to constant changes in goals, friendships, values, identity, and careers. The individual is also informed that patients with BPD exhibit unsteady patterns of relationships. Attitudes towards friends and family constantly shift from love and great admiration to intense anger and dislike. Therefore, the individuals may create an immediate attachment to another person; but when a conflict occurs, switch to an extreme and accuse the person of being uncaring. The interviewee exhibits fair amount of knowledge on the disorder since he has researched on the disorder. He, however, believes that the disorder cannot be treated; his perceptions are mostly contributed by the fact that most individuals he knew failed to seek treatment and unfortunately committed suicide. I informed him that with the appropriate management BPD patients can lead full lives.
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The second individual I interviewed was an African American male aged 40. The interviewee had minimal knowledge of the disorder; he actually believed that mental disorders were inexistent and therapy was for weak individuals. He knew a person who was diagnosed with BPD but he believed that he was crazy and not sick. His lack of knowledge is contributed by the perspective of most African-Americans that mental disorders make one look weak and seeking treatment might reflect badly on their families and an admission of failure to handle problems. There is always the fear experienced by patients with mental disorders that they do not want to be one of “those people.” I informed the interviewee that mental disorders like BPD are serious; additionally, two percent of adults suffer from the disorder. People with BPD often require mental health services and hospitalization. The disorder is extremely serious and causes suicides and deaths in extreme cases. I also informed him that scientists agree that the disorder is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Sexual, emotional and physical abuse also influences the development of BPD. In comparison to the interviewee, I was aware that BPD is a serious condition that should be treated appropriately and promptly. I was also aware that BPD patients should seek treatment since with appropriate treatment the disorder is manageable.
The third interviewee I interviewed was a 50-year-old woman with a daughter suffering from BPD. She was quite knowledgeable about the disorder; at least about the basics, symptoms, effects, and mode of treatment. Her immense knowledge is contributed by the fact that her daughter suffers from the disorder; when she was diagnosed, she researched a lot. Since she has seen it first hand, the interviewee agrees that the mental disorder is serious and has caused major damages for her daughter and family in general. Some of the symptoms she has seen on her daughter include intense mood swings, feelings of self-doubt, impulsive behavior and self-harm. The interviewee knows that some of the methods of treatment include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy; some of the main types of psychotherapy found to work include dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, metallization-based therapy and schema-focused therapy. The interviewee is also aware that BPD is closely influenced by genetic factors and it is more common among families with BPD history. The interviewee was well informed on the disorder all I could add was that the disorder was mainly treated through psychotherapy. Some of the goals of psychotherapy include emphasizing on current state of functioning, learning to control uncomfortable emotions, reducing impulsiveness and working on enriching social relationships. Most of what I have learned in class is what the interviewee knew; she had experienced the disorder first-hand so I learned more from her.
Having the conversations with the three interviewees gave me insight on borderline personality disorder. I learnt that individuals have different perspectives on the disorder; the levels of knowledge about it also differ. I was shocked by the second interviewee’s perspective on mental disorders. I imagined how difficult it must be for individuals suffering from BPD to seek professional help due to the fear of embarrassment. His knowledge on the disorder was very limited at some point he even seemed to allude that the disorder was a sign of weakness and inability to deal with issues internally. The third interviewee’s knowledge on BPD was impressive; she also maintained a positive attitude that the disorder is totally manageable with psychotherapy. The first individual was fairly informed on BPD and was willing to learn more. He seemed apprehensive on the treatment methods; however, I informed him that the treatment has proved effective for patients.
