Sample Solution

According to Boston University psychologist David Barlow, “BPD reflects an emotional disorder reflecting high levels of the personality trait neuroticism” (2014). In fact, in studies of patients with BPD, they were found to be “less extraverted and conscientious, and more neurotic and emotional than all other groups” (American Journal of Psychiatry, 2005).

Jodie’s core personality traits may have changed over time due to her environment but they are consistent with other people who have BPD. She has a fear of abandonment, impulsive behavior, mood swings, intense bouts of anger, and poor judgement when it comes to sexual behavior. She also exhibits low stability, low conscientiousness, and high neuroticism on the Five-Factor Model of Personality (FFM) which is the most commonly used personality theory in research and the most extensively validated (Säämänen et al, 2016).

METHOD OF TREATMENT

While borderline personality disorder has been historically viewed as difficult to treat, there are options available. In addition, people with BPD usually have other disorders. In a journal published by the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, “major depressive disorder occurs in more than 80% of people with BPD; anxiety disorders occur in about 90%; PTSD in 26%; bulimia in 26%; anorexia nervosa in 21%; and bipolar in 10%” (Harned and Valenstein, 2013).

In Jodie’s case, she has symptoms of depression and an eating disorder. Her impulsivity, which includes her past suicide attempts, is a common feature for bipolar II disorder so this should also be taken into consideration. Based on the information I’ve obtained, I would make the recommendation for Jodie to receive cognitive and behavioral treatment.

TREATMENT PLAN