A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has difficulty with relationships due to a

A. desire to be in control of people and situations: This describes aligns narcissistic or obsessive-compulsive personality traits, where control and dominance are more central. In borderline personality disorder, the primary relational issue is emotional instability. B. tendency to be overly dependent on people to make decisions for them: This is more characteristic of dependent personality disorder. Clients with this disorder struggle with decision-making and rely heavily on others for guidance. C. fear of abandonment and unstable emotions: In borderline personality disorder. Individuals often struggle with intense mood swings, unstable self-image, and frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment, which leads to chaotic and unstable relationships. D. pervasive distrust and suspicion of the motives of others: This pattern is associated with paranoid personality disorder. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may at times misinterpret others’ intentions, chronic pervasive suspicion is not the defining feature.