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A personality disorder

A personality disorder is characterized by an enduring pattern of inner experience and outward behavior that consistently deviates from the expectations of the individual's culture (Linehan, Oldham, & Silk, 1995). Ten personality disorders are currently recognized, and this paper will discuss just one such disorder - borderline personality disorder. It will present a review of the literature on borderline personality disorder, a treatment plan for a patient with the disorder, and discuss the therapeutic alliance between a patient with borderline personality disorder and his/her therapist.

An estimate of the prevalence of personality disorders in a community population is from two percent to 14 percent (Linehan Oldham, & Silk, 1995; Hubbard, Saathoff, Bernardo, & Barnett, 1995; Coreeli, 1998). Although the disorder occurs in both men and women, it is more frequently observed in women with approximately 75 percent of cases occurring in females. The etiology of borderline personality disorder is unknown, although recent theory suggests a contributory role in some patients for sexual, physical, psychological, or other serious trauma or abuse during childhood.

Corelli (1998) suggests a possible genetic or hormonal cause as an association between this disorder and severe cases of premenstrual tension has been postulated. He adds that since the disorder is more common in women, and many women suffer incestuous relationships during childhood, this chronic or periodic victimization of young girls may later result in impaired relationships and mistrust of men, leading to excessive preoccupation with sexuality, sexual promiscuity, inhibition, deep-seated depression and a seriously damaged self-image - all typical characteristics of borderline personality disorder.

Linehan, Oldham and Silk (1995) believe the disorder is probably a combination of many different processes. They believe some are constitutional - relating to aff...

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A personality disorder. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 16:23, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1707565.html