1. Borderline Personality Disorder

2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Relatively new (defined in the 1980s) Not depression, bipolar, or suicidal Quick up and down emotions (sad, happy, anxious) – this is different than bipolar Inability to manage emotions effectively Affects 5.9% of adults – 14 million Americans More common than schizophrenia and bipolar

3. Symptoms Intense fear of abandonment Intense relationships Unsure of identity, and feeling empty Pain management: shopping, sex, drugs, food Emotionally unstable with frequent and fast mood changes Uncontrolled anger and fits of rage PLUS intense sadness and irritability Disassociation (feeling numb) Difficulty regulating behavior & emotions Suicidal behavior

4. Borderline Personality Disorder 60-70% of people with BPD will attempt suicide BPD is considered a “personality” disorder and can get confused with bipolar disorder, which is a mood disorder. Personality disorders are considered more stable while mood disorders (depression, bipolar) are seen as temporary, at least by the DSM-IV

5. Copy these questions in your notebook and answer as we watch the film 1. Why is cutting “beneficial” for this group of people? 2. What does the video say about suicide and suicide attempts among people with BPD? 3. What does the video say are the some of the signs of BPD? 4. Is the disorder treatable? What are some treatments? 5. What is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)? 6. Is this disorder the result of biology or the environment? 7. What part of the brain is overactive in people with BPD? What part of the brain is underactive? 8. Do people “recover” from BPD? 9. What advice seems to be helpful for family members dealing with BPD in a loved one?