4 Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

MedCircle2 minutes read

Borderline Personality Disorder has four distinct subtypes, including high-functioning internalizing/quiet, petulant or histrionic, angry externalizing impulsive, and depressive internalizing. Each subtype has unique characteristics and challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subtypes for effective treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Insights

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has four distinct subtypes, including high functioning internalizing/quiet subtype with self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts directed inwardly, often seen in individuals holding high-power jobs in helping professions.
  • Different subtypes of BPD, like the angry externalizing impulsive subtype or the depressive internalizing subtype, require tailored approaches for treatment, highlighting the importance of recognizing and understanding these variations for effective support, such as utilizing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

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Recent questions

  • What are the subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder?

    Four distinct subtypes: high functioning internalizing/quiet, petulant or histrionic, angry externalizing impulsive, and depressive internalizing.

  • How common is Borderline Personality Disorder?

    Estimates range from 2% to 7%, often misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders.

  • What distinguishes the depressive internalizing subtype of BPD?

    Characterized by dysphoric and depressive presentations, posing a higher risk of self-harm.

  • How are the subtypes of BPD identified?

    Through research, such as Theodore Millon's work, as they are not officially recognized in diagnostic manuals.

  • What is the recommended treatment for BPD subtypes?

    Tailored approaches like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address unique challenges.

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Summary

00:00

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Subtypes

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex disorder with four distinct subtypes.
  • The first subtype discussed is the high functioning internalizing/quiet subtype, characterized by self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts directed inwardly.
  • Individuals with this subtype often hold high-power jobs in helping professions but struggle with self-blame and self-harm when faced with stress or mistakes.
  • Co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders are common in this subtype, sometimes overshadowing the BPD diagnosis.
  • The subtypes of BPD are not officially recognized in diagnostic manuals but have been identified through research, such as Theodore Millon's work.
  • The prevalence of BPD is disputed, with estimates ranging from 2% to 7%, often misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders due to its challenging nature to treat.
  • The second subtype is termed petulant or histrionic, characterized by attention-seeking behaviors and a sense of entitlement.
  • This subtype overlaps with covert narcissism, displaying manipulative and victimized behaviors when expectations are not met.
  • Histrionic personality disorder differs from this subtype by not exhibiting the same level of triggered activation in response to disappointment or abandonment.
  • The third subtype, the angry externalizing impulsive subtype, is characterized by outwardly directed rage, impulsivity, and dangerous behaviors, potentially overlapping with narcissistic personality traits.

15:26

Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding and Treatment Options

  • Borderline personality disorder can manifest in different subtypes, with one being the angry externalizing impulsive subtype where individuals feel overwhelmed and out of control with strong emotions, leading to externalizing behaviors.
  • Another subtype is the depressive internalizing subtype, characterized by dysphoric and depressive presentations, making it difficult for individuals to maintain employment or relationships due to heightened risk of self-harm, especially in times of crisis.
  • Treatment for the depressive subtype focuses on managing the depressive symptomatology to prevent suicidal behaviors, as individuals in this group may be at a higher risk of self-harm and neglecting themselves or others.
  • Understanding the different subtypes of borderline personality disorder is crucial for effective treatment and support, as each subtype presents unique challenges and requires tailored approaches, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
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