Module 5 Case Study Assignment

Case History of a Borderline Personality – Linda P.

Comparative Treatments

for

Borderline Personality Disorder

(Freeman, Stone & Martin, 2015)

https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/lib/liberty/reader.action?docID=423269&ppg=33

Refer to the Case Study via the link above, and your class textbook as needed, to answer the following questions: (Note: Type answers in blue directly onto this sheet).

DSM Application (10 points): List the DSM criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. Next to each criterion, detail the specific symptoms that match Linda’s symptoms.

DSM is the source of diagnostic information for psychiatric disorders provided by the

American Psychiatric Association. It is used for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders such as BPD and associated symptoms. DSM provide a list of symptoms for each disorder and specifies the number of symptoms required for a particular diagnosis. BPD is characterized by a persistent pattern of interpersonal relationship, emotion and self-image instabilities (Biskin, 2015). The following DSM criteria are used to diagnose BPD.

• Out of control emotions/emotional instability—Linda is experiencing out of control/impulsive emotions, symptoms associated with BPD. For instance, Linda screamed and cried excessively and even threaten to commit suicide when they wanted to end their relationship with the husband. She went ahead to destroy the husband’s belonging when he finally leaves her. Even at work, Linda had numerous outbursts with workmates.
• Desperate efforts to avoid abandonment—Linda is so much concerned about abandonment that she cannot even imagine of it. She turns extremely violent when the husband threatens to terminate the relationship to the point of wanting even to end her life. She insinuate that her life is empty being that her parents retired and moved to Florida, and also claims repeatedly that her sister does not have time for her.
• Identity disturbance/impulsivity or self-damaging behavior—Linda hits an elderly couple’s car just because they are driving slowly. She also began sleeping with multiple men when the husband left her and even attempted to commit suicide.
• Frequent depression episodes—Linda has exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety, making her do awful things such as running into the old couple’s car, writing an aggressive letter to the parents and destroying things when angry.
• Unstable interpersonal relationships—Linda exhibits patterns of dangerous ties with others. For instance, her husband could not cope with her rage and extreme anger.
• The patient has also shown recurrent suicidal patterns, behaviors and threats (Biskin, 2015).

Assessment Questions (5 questions @ 4 points each):

A: Please describe your treatment model.

The most appropriate treatment model for Linda is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychiatric therapy approach that focuses on how to correct the automatic negative perceptions and thoughts that can worsen psychotic disorder and related symptoms such as depression, emotional imbalance and anxiety. The model encompasses a range of approaches and techniques, ranging from structured psychotherapy to self-help methods. As for the case of Linda, cognitive therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), elements of CBT will be most appropriate. Cognitive therapy identifies and alters distorted or inaccurate perceptions and thinking patterns, behaviors and emotional responses, while REBT helps to identify and correct irrational behaviors (Rice, 2015).

B:  What would you consider to be the clinical skills or attributes most essential to successful therapy in your approach?

The most desired clinical skills for successful CBT therapy include directive leadership and empathy. The therapist must make the patient feel invited and happy with the presses by providing the much-needed warmth. The councilor should also lead and direct the patient throughout the recovery stage (Rice, 2015).

C: What would be your therapeutic goals for this patient?

The primary goals for Linda are to improve cognitive and social competencies at the end of the therapy. The patient should control her emotions and socialize effectively after the treatment.

D: What further information would you want to have to assist in structuring this patient’s treatment? Are there specific assessment tools you would use? What would be the rationale for the use of these tools?

Linda can also seek social level services include rehabilitation if her situations persevere. Rehabilitation services are a time-honored resource for many years in managing psychotic patients in severe conditions (Morin & Franck, 2017).

E: What is your conceptualization of this patient’s personality, behaviour, affective state, and cognitions?

From the analysis, it can be concluded that Linda has Borderline Personality Disorder (BDP) and her condition meets the DSM diagnostic criteria for BPD, including emotional instability, fear of abandonment, frequent depression, identity disturbance, recurrent suicidal behaviors and unstable interpersonal relationship, which are the primary symptoms of BPD as listed by the DSM (Biskin, 2015).

Bible Application Question (5 points, 50 word minimum): Discuss this case and disorder from a biblical perspective using at least 1 Scripture reference (direct quotes do not count towards length requirement).

Many assume that personality disorders or mental health are not in biblical perspectives, with others believing that such conditions are evident of sin. However, two people in the bible exhibited symptoms of personality disorders. The Deuteronomy 21: 18-21 talks about the rebellious and stubborn son, and the book of Hosea discusses Gomer, the eldest son of Hosea who exhibited BPD and the restoration process. The book of Hosea talks about five-step of the restoration process in the life of Gomer that can be helpful for people with BPD. For instance, Hosea talks about “clearly identify sinful behaviours and describe the associated consequences of such behaviour” (Hosea 2: 1-13). The same applies when attending to people with BPD. It is essential, to be honest about the impacts of the patient’s actions on others, but creating clear impressions that the feelings are not out of judgment but love. 

Note: Use correct spelling, grammar, and APA format (5pts)

References

Biskin, R. S. (2015). The lifetime course of borderline personality disorder. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(7), 303-308.

Morin, L., & Franck, N. (2017). Rehabilitation interventions to promote recovery from schizophrenia: a systematic review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 8, 100.

Rice, R. H. (2015). Cognitive-behavioural therapy. The sage encyclopedia of theory in counselling and psychotherapy, 1, 194.