A nurse is developing an in-service about personality disorders. Which of the following information should the nurse include when discussing borderline personality disorder?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) typically exhibit an unstable sense of self and tumultuous relationships, not stability. Their identity disturbances and fear of abandonment lead to chaotic interpersonal dynamics, making this statement incorrect as it misrepresents core BPD characteristics. Choice B reason: Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicidal gestures, are common in BPD due to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. These actions serve as maladaptive coping mechanisms for intense emotions, aligning with DSM-5 criteria for BPD, making this the correct information to include. Choice C reason: While group therapy can be beneficial, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an individual and skills-based approach, is the primary evidence-based treatment for BPD. Group therapy alone is not the standard, as it may not address individual emotional regulation needs, making this statement inaccurate. Choice D reason: Clients with BPD frequently experience mood swings and emotional instability, a hallmark of the disorder due to affective dysregulation. This contradicts the statement, as BPD involves rapid mood shifts, not stability, making this information incorrect for describing BPD characteristics.