PYC4802 Assignment 3 (ANSWERS)
ASSIGNMENT 3 Theme: Borderline Personality Disorder
TITLE / QUESTION: (100 marks):
Discuss, in detail, the problems related to identifying and diagnosing Borderline Personality
Disorder in adolescents within the South African context. (100 marks)
a) Discuss t...
, TITLE / QUESTION: (100 marks): Discuss, in detail, the problems related to
identifying and diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder in adolescents within
the South African context. (100 marks) a) Discuss the diagnostic criteria and
hallmark features of Personality disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (20)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized
by pervasive instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior.
Diagnosing BPD in adolescents can be particularly challenging in the South African
context due to various factors. In this discussion, we will first examine the diagnostic
criteria and hallmark features of Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.
a) Diagnostic criteria and hallmark features of Personality Disorder and Borderline
Personality Disorder:
Personality Disorder (PD): A Personality Disorder is a mental health condition
characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate
significantly from cultural norms, impair social and occupational functioning, and cause
distress to the individual or others. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the general criteria for a personality disorder:
1. Persistent pattern of behavior: The behavior patterns must be consistent and long-
lasting, typically dating back to adolescence or early adulthood.
2. Pervasive and inflexible: The behaviors are evident in various situations and are not
easily modified.
3. Impairment and distress: The behaviors cause significant distress or impairment in
social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD is one specific type of Personality Disorder.
Its hallmark features, according to DSM-5, include a pervasive pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects (emotions), along with marked
impulsivity. The diagnostic criteria for BPD include at least five of the following nine
symptoms:
1. Fear of abandonment: A pattern of intense fears of being left alone, leading to
frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
2. Unstable relationships: Intense, stormy relationships marked by idealization (seeing
someone as perfect) and devaluation (seeing someone as all bad).
3. Identity disturbance: Unstable self-image or sense of self, often leading to frequent
changes in goals, values, career aspirations, or sexual orientation.
4. Impulsivity: Acting on the spur of the moment without considering the
consequences.
5. Suicidal or self-harming behavior: Recurrent self-harm or suicidal gestures, threats,
or behaviors.
6. Emotional instability: Frequent and intense mood swings and emotional reactions
that are disproportionate to the situation.
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