How to Spot The 4 Types of Borderline Personality Disorder
Lise Leblanc・9 minutes read
Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental illness with diagnosis criteria including personal relationship instability, self-identity issues, impulsivity, and emotional volatility starting in early adulthood. Subtypes of BPD, as categorized by Theodore Millon, include high-functioning, impulsive, petulant, and self-destructive, each with unique characteristics and coping mechanisms.
Insights
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is diagnosed based on a pattern of instability in relationships, self-identity issues, impulsivity, and emotional volatility that starts in early adulthood, with individuals needing to meet at least five out of nine criteria outlined in the DSM.
- Theodore Millon categorized BPD into four subtypes: discouraged, impulsive, petulant, and self-destructive, each displaying distinct characteristics and coping mechanisms, shedding light on the diverse manifestations of this complex mental illness.
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Recent questions
What are the criteria for diagnosing BPD?
The DSM outlines nine criteria for diagnosing BPD, with individuals needing to meet at least five of these criteria. These criteria include instability in personal relationships, self-identity issues, impulsivity, and emotional volatility starting in early adulthood.
How is BPD categorized by Theodore Millon?
Theodore Millon categorized BPD into four subtypes: discouraged, impulsive, petulant, and self-destructive. Each subtype exhibits distinct characteristics and coping mechanisms related to their emotional struggles.
What characterizes the discouraged type of BPD?
The discouraged type, also known as high-functioning, directs extreme emotions inward, fearing abandonment and seeking approval. They often struggle with self-worth and may engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with their intense emotions.
What defines the impulsive type of BPD?
The impulsive type of BPD is charismatic, chaotic, and prone to risky behaviors. They may struggle with substance abuse and self-destructive actions as a way to cope with their emotional instability and impulsivity.
How does the petulant type of BPD cope with their emotions?
The petulant type of BPD is negative, demanding, and manipulative, swinging between feelings of shame and anger. They may use self-harm as a coping mechanism and struggle with managing their intense emotions in relationships and daily life.
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Summary
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Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Subtypes and Criteria
- Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental illness, often stigmatized and stereotyped.
- Diagnosis of BPD requires a pattern of instability in personal relationships, self-identity issues, impulsivity, and emotional volatility starting in early adulthood.
- The DSM outlines nine criteria for diagnosing BPD, with individuals needing to meet at least five of these criteria.
- Theodore Millon categorized BPD into four subtypes: discouraged, impulsive, petulant, and self-destructive.
- The discouraged type, also known as high-functioning, directs extreme emotions inward, fearing abandonment and seeking approval.
- The impulsive type is charismatic, chaotic, and prone to risky behaviors, often struggling with substance abuse and self-destructive actions.
- The petulant type is negative, demanding, and manipulative, swinging between feelings of shame and anger, using self-harm as a coping mechanism.
- The self-destructive type displays masochistic traits, directing harmful behaviors towards themselves, struggling with relationships, and engaging in risky and aggressive actions.
