BPD

Question 1

What is the core feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Answer 1

Emotional instability, characterized by intense mood swings, particularly negative emotions triggered by interpersonal stress.

Question 2

What are the diagnostic criteria for BPD?

Answer 2

Five or more symptoms are needed, including fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, self-harm, affective instability, chronic emptiness, inappropriate anger, and paranoia/dissociation.

Question 3

What percentage of individuals with BPD have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders?

Answer 3

83% have mood disorders, 85% have anxiety disorders, and 78% have substance use disorders.

Question 4

What is the role of genetics in BPD?

Answer 4

Genetics plays a role in BPD, with a higher prevalence of the disorder in biological relatives. The heritability rate for BPD is 35% in monozygotic twins.

Question 5

What brain structures are often implicated in BPD through neuroimaging?

Answer 5

Reduced volume in the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex are common in BPD patients.

Question 6

Which therapy is regarded as the most effective treatment for BPD?

Answer 6

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a cognitive-behavioral approach focusing on emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.

Question 7

What is the significance of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HIAA) in BPD?

Answer 7

low levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic
acid (5-HIAA) = higher aggression

Question 8

key environmental factor

Answer 8

invalidating family environment

oxytocin

Question 9

HPA axis

Answer 9

Heightened adrenal activity
¡ Higher cortisol levels upon awakening
¡ Lower cortisol released during stress

Question 10

reduced ACC volume and lower OFC metabolic acitivty

Answer 10

appears to be correlated with selfinjurious behaviors, impulsivity, and fears of abandonment

Question 11

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT)

Answer 11

Based on attachment theory, mentalization uses the therapeutic relationship to
help patients develop the skills they need to accurately understand their
own feelings and emotions, as well as the feelings and emotions of
others

Question 12

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP)

Answer 12

therapeutic relationship to help the patient understand and
correct the distortions that occur in his or her perceptions of other
people

Question 13

Schema-focused cognitive therapy

Answer 13

1. Detached protector
2. Punitive parent
3. Abandoned/abused child
4. Angry/impulsive child modes
   ¡ Patient and therapist work together in an effort to stop these
   dysfunctional schemas from controlling the patient’s life