Adolescent Borderline Personality Disorder: Fairytale or Real Diagnosis?

IS ADOLESCENT BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

A FAIRYTALE OR A REAL DIAGNOSIS?

(Discuss the problems related to assessing and classifying / diagnosing 16-20 year olds with patterns of impulsivity, instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affect.)

CLAIRE ANNE MARAIS
STUDENT NUMBER: 48831247

CONTENTS

1. Introduction 3

2. What is borderline personality disorder? 4

2.1. Defining the disorder 4

2.2. Symptoms of bpd 4

3. The diagnosis of bpd 5

3.1. General challenges surrounding assessment and diagnosis 5

3.2. The particular challenges during adolescence 6

4. The controversy of early assessment and diagnosis of bpd 7

4.1. The disadvantages of early diagnosis 8

4.1.1. Mental health care professionals and their diagnosis 8

4.1.2. The continuing deliberation of suitable treatment 8

4.1.2.1. Therapy 9

4.1.2.2. Medication 9

4.1.3. The stigma attached to the disorder 10

4.2. The advantage of early diagnosis 10

5. Conclusion 11

6. Reference list 12

“Susanna: [reading from a book] "Borderline Personality Disorder -
An instability of self-image, relationships and mood... uncertain about goals, impulsive in activities that are self-damaging, such as casual sex."
Lisa: I like that.
Susanna: "Social contrariness and a generally pessimistic attitude are often observed." [pauses] Well that's me.
Lisa: That's everybody.” - Girl, Interrupted (1999)

INTRODUCTION

It is common knowledge that adolescence is the period between puberty and maturity, between childhood and adulthood. The classification of the ages of 16-20 years can be that of ‘late’ adolescence or early adulthood, which is the focus generation of this discussion. As per this discussion, the question surrounds