Disorder Description
There are many different mental disorders, which have their own characteristics of treatment and symptoms. Moreover, each condition may have its specific causes and triggers, which depend on the individual characteristics of the patient. Borderline personality disorder is a severe illness, the main signs of which are emotional instability, desocialization, impulsivity, and low self-control (Friedel, 2018). In addition, patients feel high anxiety and, in some cases, may experience severe depression (APA, 2015).
The manifestations of the disorder are high emotionality, inability to self-control, nervousness, stress for various reasons, and instability. It is worth noting that in 10% of cases, borderline disorder leads to the patient’s suicide (Fox, 2019). It is accompanied by dangerous behavior towards others and oneself, as well as self-harm in mild or moderate forms. Among the symptoms, there is often a feeling of emptiness and a fear of being alone, as well as a sense of being useless to others.
Symptoms
When discussing how to identify a person with this personality disorder, several key aspects can be highlighted. First, as already indicated, borderline personality disorder has some specific symptoms, which, however, are similar to those of other diseases. The key sign is a strong emotional response to an event that may not be significant, accompanied by an extended period of instability in emotional state (Fox, 2019). In other words, the patient may experience difficulty returning to their original emotional state before the event (APA, 2015).
In addition, borderline personality disorder manifests itself in impulsive behavior and unreasonable actions, such as reckless driving, alcohol or substance abuse, and more (Friedel, 2018). The causes of this disorder are still not exactly clear, but the genetic factor has a significant influence on development. Often, the causes can be the abuse of alcohol, psychoactive substances, or unfavorable conditions of upbringing and development.
Manifestation in Relationships
Some features characterize relationship patterns and communication with other people with borderline personality disorder. Thus, patients are prone to an excessive emotional response to external events and attitudes toward them (Friedel, 2018). In other words, someone with borderline personality disorder may experience intense joy and gratitude for those who treat or praise them well. At the same time, one may feel intense sadness or anger towards people who criticize or mistreat one.
Adoration of another person by someone with this disorder can quickly change into contempt and hatred, depending on the circumstances. People with borderline personality disorder may strongly desire close relationships in the event of attachment. However, they perceive the world as dangerous and malevolent, feeling a sense of trickery or deceit in every situation, which can lead to unhealthy jealousy.
People with borderline personality disorder find it difficult to start relationships with the opposite sex or family. It is often characterized by an excessive emotional reaction to various events, including jealousy, suspicion, distrust, and other negative aspects. It is challenging for patients to establish trusting relationships, as jealousy and suspicion can cloud sincere feelings. Moreover, it can interfere with making friendships or relationships with colleagues, as excessive suspicion can lead to wrong conclusions and hostile attitudes. People with borderline personality disorder can be very irritating to people they become attached to, and vice versa, hurt people to whom they feel hostility. It is due to increased interest, suspicion, constant questioning, and excessive emotionality in relation to the objects of adoration.
Difficulties at Work
Talking about the impact of borderline personality disorder on the work environment, one might highlight more negative aspects than positive ones. The most obvious problem is that the person lacks clear life goals and a well-defined career path. Individuals with this disorder often lack a clear understanding of their beliefs, values, and life goals (APA, 2015).
The lack of goals is a barrier to the adequate development of the work process; moreover, it undermines the desire to achieve new goals. The individual lacks the opportunity to adequately assess what has been achieved to meet the aim and what still needs to be done, thereby removing the opportunity for gradual growth. Finally, as already indicated, borderline personality disorder poses a barrier to adequate communication with colleagues and superiors. In turn, it also prevents the person from advancing on the career ladder or developing their personal skills.
Individuals with this personality disorder may struggle with maintaining focus on a task for extended periods. Intense emotions can distract a person from their current task, causing them to focus on extraneous thoughts rather than completing their work. In some cases, this may be accompanied by an intense form of dissociation or loss of attention (Friedel, 2018). This phenomenon can arise as the organism’s response to painful incidents in life, thereby redirecting attention away from memories or what reminds the individual of this event.
Blocking out memories or emotions can cause a person with a borderline personality disorder to have difficulty processing information associated with those emotions. It will prevent the patient from making adequate, balanced decisions, analyzing the situation, communicating with others, and performing other essential processes. Thus, the disorder hurts the patient’s work environment.
Overcoming Challenges
One can highlight several aspects of what employees or colleagues should consider when building communication with people who have a borderline personality disorder. First of all, it is necessary to consider the most striking and essential symptom, namely, attachment and a sharp emotional reaction to praise or criticism. As already indicated, people with this disorder can be intensely grateful and attached to those who praise them. At the same time, they may experience intense anger and hostility towards those who criticize them.
Therefore, when working with individuals affected by this disorder, it is essential to maintain a balance in communication and interaction. One should be cautious and avoid getting too close, as over-attachment can form a problem. Moreover, it is essential to approach emotional outbursts with understanding and strive to minimize the overall emotional context when communicating.
Furthermore, it is essential to control what one says to a person with this disorder, specifically using words of support when communicating with them. For example, the phrase that a person can call at any time or that one will always be there can be taken literally by a person with borderline disorder. It may result in the individual constantly calling or being nearby, as such promises have been made. However, in case of refusal, a person with this disorder may perceive this as an insult or deceit. It will provoke a strong emotional reaction and may lead to aggression, hostility, quarrels, or more severe consequences.
Finally, people around and colleagues should not take everything from a person with borderline disorder seriously. In a fit of anger, one can utter terrible words or perform bad things. However, after a while, they radically change their perspective.
References
APA (American Psychiatric Association). (2015). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM V). (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.
Fox, D. J. (2019). The borderline personality disorder workbook: An integrative program to understand and manage your BPD. New Harbinger Publications.
Friedel, R. O. (2018). Borderline personality disorder demystified, revised edition: An essential guide for understanding and living with BPD. Hachette Books.