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Behavior Therapy For Social Anxiety: What To Expect

Social anxiety refers to fear or worry related to interactions in social situations. The Mayo Clinic explains that “comfort levels in social situations vary, depending on personality traits and life experiences…some people are naturally reserved, and others are more outgoing.” An individual that struggles with debilitating and pervasive symptoms of social anxiety may have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also referred to as social phobia, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic mental health condition. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) explains that social anxiety disorder is “characterized by persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others.” Social anxiety disorder is the second most diagnosed anxiety disorder and affects approximately 15 million American adults.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the clear first-line psychotherapeutic treatment for SAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy was developed in the 1960s by psychiatrist, Aaron Beck. CBT is a structured, short-term form of psychotherapy that “targets multiple areas of potential vulnerability (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, affective) with developmentally-guided strategies and traverses multiple intervention pathways.” CBT encompasses numerous strategies, and the most effective component of CBT is exposure to feared social situations. Cognitive behavioral therapy relies on a goal-oriented approach to hone healthy coping mechanisms for reducing anxiety and stress. The steps of CBT include the following, provided by Psychology Today:

Identify troubling situations and/ or conditions in your life.
Become aware of your emotions, thoughts, and beliefs connected to these troubling situations.
Identify inaccurate and/ or negative thinking that may be contributing to your troubles.
Reshape inaccurate and/ or negative thinking. To help facilitate this step, a therapist may encourage you to ask yourself if your view of the situation is based off an inaccurate perception of the situation or off facts.

CBT is based on the notion that one’s thoughts govern one’s feelings, which are directly linked to and influence one’s behaviors. The CBT framework aims to help people break unhealthy behavioral patterns by identifying and replacing dysfunctional patterns with positive thinking patterns. Despite the availability of effective treatments, data suggests that fewer than 5% of people of with social anxiety disorder pursue treatment in the year following initial onset and more than a third of people report symptoms for 10 or more years before getting help. If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can lead to adverse short- and long-term physiological consequences.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman In Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders: Understanding The Different Types

Eating disorders are psychological disorders that are loosely characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list different types of eating disorders, all of which are categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Understanding the various types is important for recognizing and addressing these disorders effectively. Some of the main types of eating disorders include the following, provided by the Mayo Clinic:

Anorexia nervosa: Is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss and/ or lack of appropriate weight gain, an inability to maintain an appropriate body weight for one’s age, height, stature, intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image (weight and/ or shape). People struggling with anorexia will employ extreme efforts to control their weight and/ or shape, which can significantly interfere with their ability to properly function in their daily life.
Bulimia nervosa: Is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of overeating (bingeing) and compensatory behaviors (purging) in attempts to undo the effects of the binge eating episodes. Purging could include self-induced vomiting, excessively over exercising, and/ or abusing diuretics.
Binge-eating disorder (BED): Is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of compulsively eating abnormally large quantities of food (often quickly) to the point of physical discomfort, without engaging in compensatory behaviors. Often binge episodes are followed with emotions of embarrassment, shame, guilt, and/ or distress.
Rumination disorder: Is an eating disorder characterized by repeatedly and unintentionally regurgitating (spitting up) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, chewing it again, and either swallowing it or spitting it out.
Avoidant/ restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): Is an eating disorder characterized by restricting food intake (e.g., eating smaller amounts) and/ or eliminating certain food groups to the point of infringing on one’s exposure and ability to absorb needed nutrients coming from food.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): As indicated in the DSM-5, OSFED, formerly known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is diagnosed when a person presents with feeding or eating behaviors that cause clinically significant distress and impairment, but do not meet the full criteria for any of the other disorders.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an estimated 30 million U.S. adults will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The pervasive symptoms associated with any type of eating disorder can cause adverse physiological consequences, interfere with one’s ability to adequately function in daily life, and if left untreated can become life-threatening.

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Norman In Anxiety

The Connection Between Anxiety And Perfectionism

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress and has been explained as “the body’s automatic fight-or-flight response that is triggered when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a challenging situation…” While many factors can contribute to anxiety, one possible factor is perfectionism. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines perfectionism as “the tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation.” According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, people who have been diagnosed with anxiety tend to display more perfectionistic traits than the average person.

The link between perfectionism and anxiety is complex and can be both a cause and a symptom of anxiety. As asserted by Dr. Gordon L. Flett, Professor of Psychology at York University, “Perfectionism and anxiety are consistently associated with each other, and this applies to people of various ages, including children and adolescents. Perfectionists are not only anxious, but they often also suffer from chronic worry.” Young people, for example, often strive to meet unreachable standards that result in anxiety when the goals are not met. Further, self-criticism that is associated with one’s perceived failures heightens their anxiety. An article published in the Universal Journal of Educational Research, that explored the role of dimensions of perfectionism on anxiety sensitivity, found a positive relationship between perfectionism and anxiety sensitivity. The results of the study revealed that concern over mistakes, personal standards, parental expectations, parental criticism, and doubts about actions, were directly associated with anxiety sensitivity in young adults.

It is not uncommon for perfectionists to struggle with chronic avoidance tendencies, and are prone to elevated levels of anxiety when faced with situations that make them feel self-conscious. For some people, according to the Harvard Business Review, perfectionism may reflect an attempt to control feelings of anxiety and avoid future situations that can add to existing levels of emotional arousal. Nevertheless, it is important to note that both perfectionism and anxiety are influenced by several contributing factors (e.g., genetics, upbringing, societal pressures, personal experiences, etc.). Therefore, although perfectionism and anxiety often coexist, it would be inaccurate to suggest that they are the sole causes of each other.

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Norman In DBT

Does DBT Change The Brain?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic modality that combines techniques from western cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psycho-educational modules, and eastern mindfulness-based practices. It was developed in the late 1980s by Marsha M. Linehan as a therapeutic approach specifically geared to treat individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), suffering from pervasive suicidal thoughts and/ or attempts. DBT remains the gold-standard form of treatment for individuals with BPD and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), has since been recognized as an effective method of treatment for a wide range of other mental health disorders. The Mayo Clinic refers to the brain as the most complex organ in the human body. As indicated below, research suggests that DBT can change the brain:

Studies using brain imaging techniques have shown that individuals who have undergone DBT demonstrate changes in brain activity in regions involved in emotion regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Individuals who have received DBT show decreased activation in brain areas associated with emotional reactivity, suggesting that the therapy may help modulate emotional responses.
Research indicates that DBT can enhance cognitive control processes, such as inhibitory control and attentional flexibility, which are associated with specific brain regions involved in executive functions.
One study concluded that mindfulness practices, which are a fundamental component of DBT, are directly correlated to “changes in gray matter concentration in brain regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and perspective taking.”

It is possible for DBT to change one’s brain because of its neuroplasticity. Frontiers In Psychology defines neuroplasticity as “a general umbrella term that refers to the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.” Hence, the brain is a continuously evolving, highly adaptable organ. Neural pathways are developed through synaptic connections that occur in one’s brain, directly resulting from a person’s habits and behaviors. These connections create a map of a myriad of circuits within one’s brain which enable the brain to process various experiences and are essential in how the brain retains and accesses information. Neural pathways strengthen with repetition and can similarly become obsolete without repetition. The nature of DBT and the integration and repetition of certain DBT techniques can potentially reshape neural pathways and strengthen healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Nevertheless, further research is required to fully understand the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of DBT on the brain.

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Norman In Borderline Personality Disorder

How Can You Tell If Someone Has Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of ten personality disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Each of the ten personality disorders is categorized into one of three clusters (cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C). The personality disorders that make up each cluster share similar symptoms and have overlapping characteristics. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) cluster A is characterized as odd or eccentric personalities; cluster B is characterized as dramatic, emotional, or erratic personalities; and cluster C is characterized as anxious or fearful personalities. Borderline personality disorder belongs to cluster B and is specifically characterized by “hypersensitivity to rejection and resulting instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, affect, and behavior.” Borderline personality disorder is associated with a diverse range of signs and symptoms. There is no way to definitively tell if someone has BPD without a proper diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis

Borderline personality disorder is known as a differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis implies that there are other possible diagnoses, and requires the diagnostician to differentiate between these possibilities to determine the actual diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. To begin the diagnosis process, an individual must undergo a physical exam, including a complete medical history. Although there are currently no laboratory tests or scans used to detect or diagnose BPD, some tests (e.g., blood tests) may be used in the diagnosis process to check for any underlying health conditions that may be causing symptoms. If no signs of physical illness are determined, the process continues with an assessment conducted by a mental health professional that specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.). Mental health experts rely on the diagnostic criteria provided in the DSM-5.

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5, borderline personality disorder is diagnosed when an individual experiences “a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood” and must experience five or more of the following symptoms in a variety of contexts:

Emotional instability.
Feelings of emptiness.
Efforts to avoid abandonment.
Impulsive behaviors.
Identity disturbances.
Inappropriate, irrational and/ or intense bouts of anger.
Transient paranoid and/ or dissociative symptoms.
Unstable interpersonal relationships.
Suicidal and/ or self-harming behaviors.

BPD is notorious for being an incredibly challenging mental health disorder to both diagnose and treat. The cause of borderline personality disorder remains unknown. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) alludes to research that “suggests that genetics, brain structure and function, and environmental, cultural, and social factors play a role, or may increase the risk for developing borderline personality disorder.” Recent research suggests that 1.6% of the population in the United States has BPD, which is equal to over four million Americans.

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Norman In DBT

What Are DBT Distress Tolerance Skills?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s and was originally intended as a treatment method for borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is a rigidly structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that combines standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for emotional regulation and reality testing with concepts derived from Eastern meditative practice (e.g., awareness, mindfulness and attentiveness to current situations and emotional experiences) to emphasize the psychosocial aspects of treatment. DBT is a multifaceted approach that is carried out in three therapeutic settings, which include: weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly DBT skills training group therapy sessions, and as-needed phone coaching. This format allows participants to engage in individualized and collective treatment to focus on the four modules of DBT which are core mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Distress Tolerance Skills

Distress tolerance is explained by experts as “the perceived capacity to withstand negative emotional and/ or other aversive states (e.g., physical discomfort), and the behavioral act of withstanding distressing internal states elicited by some type of stressor.” Distress tolerance skills, also known as crisis survival skills, include a variety of short-term coping strategies. The skills taught in this module are intended to help individuals learn tools and techniques to get through challenging situations when emotions are heightened and avoid destructive behavior. The DBT distress tolerance module focuses on teaching an array of crisis survival skills, some of which include:

TIPP skills: TIPP is an acronym for Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Paired muscle relaxation. TIPP skills quickly calm the limbic system and lower the state of emotional arousal.
Square breathing: This is a guided breathing exercise that can be used by anyone to manage stress and anxiety, as it has been shown to relax the nervous system. Try it out by following these simple directions:
- Inhale to a count of 4.
- Hold your breath to a count of 4.
- Exhale to a count of 4.
- Hold it for a count of 4.
Weigh the pros and cons: Noting the pros and cons can encourage an individual to pause and take a moment to think about a situation and the most appropriate subsequent steps.
STOP skill: STOP is an acronym for Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully, which can help assuage impulsivity.
Radical acceptance: This skill entails making a conscious choice to accept the state of things as they are, without working to change them.
Distraction: In moments of intense overwhelm, temporary distractions (e.g., calling a friend, reading a book, watching TV, etc.) can provide brief relief from the distressing situation.
IMPROVE skills: IMPROVE is an acronym for Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Vacation, and Encouragement, all of which can help with improving the moment.
Failing forward: Failing forward eliminates the fear of failure by recognizing and celebrating it as an opportunity for growth. It allows an individual to see that failure does not imply that they have failed as a person, and simultaneously reinforces the notion that growth is always possible.

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Norman In Borderline Personality Disorder

Does My Husband Have Borderline Personality Disorder Test?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a chronic mental health condition that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). BPD is characterized by “a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations, and impulsivity…often [causing one to] struggle with relationship issues, lack self-esteem, have a poor self-image, and have an inability to appropriately self-regulate.” A hallmark of BPD is a pattern of instability in personal relationships. As is explained by Harvard Medical School, “People with borderline personality disorder have a deep fear of abandonment… they compete for social acceptance, are terrified of rejection and often feel lonely even in the context of an intimate relationship.” If you are concerned that your husband may be struggling with borderline personality disorder it is helpful to learn about the common signs and symptoms, as there is no specific test for BPD.

Signs and Symptoms

For diagnostic purposes, the DSM-5 list nine primary symptoms for borderline personality disorder. Five of the nine must be detected before a mental health professional can make a diagnosis of BPD, although it is common for sufferers to demonstrate more than five. The nine symptoms are:

Strong, largely irrational fears of abandonment accompanied by frantic, desperate efforts to avoid it.
In the context of relationships, alternating periods of idealization (intense love and admiration) and devaluation (feelings of revulsion and disillusionment).
Persistently unstable self-image and sense of identity.
Impulsivity in at least two areas that can cause damage to self or others (e.g., reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, compulsive gambling, unsafe driving, etc.).
Episodes of acute emotional disquiet (irritability, anxiety, or anguish) that last for hours or days.
Chronic feelings of emptiness, meaninglessness, and low motivation.
Explosive, intense bursts of uncontrollable anger.
Outbreaks of dissociative symptoms marked by extreme paranoia, suspicion, and a disconnection from reality.
Suicidal threats and actions and self-harming behavior (e.g., cutting, burning, pulling out hair, scratching the skin until it bleeds, etc.).

The overall symptomatic profile for borderline personality disorder is largely the same for men and women. Nevertheless, there are some differences in the way the symptoms of BPD manifest in the two genders. In general, men with BPD are:

Highly sensitive to criticism, and aggressive in response to perceived insults.
Overly controlling in relationships.
Intensely jealous and possessive.
Quick to become disillusioned with others, and openly expressive of their contempt.
Subject to instantaneous mood changes.
Excessively irritable and prone to episodes of explosive anger.
Likely to compensate for feelings of inadequacy through risky, dangerous behavior.

BPD is notorious for being an incredibly challenging mental health disorder to both diagnose and treat. This is partly because BPD symptoms often mimic those of other mental health disorders (e.g., histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.). Therefore, the only way to truly know whether someone has borderline personality disorder is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation that is conducted by one or more qualified mental health professionals.

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Norman In DBT

What Are The Four Modules Of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s as a means to better treat individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), suffering from chronic suicidal ideation. It is a rigidly structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that emphasizes the psychosocial aspect of treatment. It is comprised of three distinct therapeutic settings, which include: weekly individual psychotherapy sessions, weekly DBT skills training group therapy sessions, and as-needed phone coaching. DBT combines techniques from western cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psycho-educational modules, and eastern mindfulness-based practices to foster the systematic learning of new emotional coping skills. Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on teaching skills in four primary areas, also known as the four modules of DBT. Each module highlights specific skills that build upon each other and are individually and collectively integral to the success of DBT.

Module One: Core Mindfulness

The Oxford English Dictionary defines mindfulness as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.” There have been studies that indicate that the tranquility effects of practicing mindfulness can be directly correlated to a reduction in one’s stress levels, which can subsequently have a positive effect on one’s immune system. Skills during this module help individuals learn to slow down and focus on mindfully acknowledging and experiencing emotions without reacting impulsively and/ or destructively. It teaches skills to help individuals avoid taking things personally, garner a better understanding of their emotions, become active listeners, and learn to sit with emotions instead of trying to ignore, expel, or dismiss them.

Module Two: Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance is often conceptualized as “one’s ability to tolerate and withstand negative or uncomfortable emotional states.” Distress tolerance skills, also known as crisis survival skills, are short-term coping strategies intended to help manage emotional pain to avoid destructive behavior. Distress tolerance skills help an individual learn to acknowledge, process, and integrate emotions and situations in a way that is non-evaluative and nonjudgmental. The purpose of the distress tolerance modules is to bolster one’s ability to cope with feelings that do not have an immediately known resolution.

Module Three: Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation can be explained as “the ability to exert control over one’s own emotional state.” The goals of this module are threefold: to understand one’s emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and decrease emotional suffering. The emotion regulation module focuses on skills that are aimed to help an individual learn to decrease the intensity of their emotions, sit with, and experience strong unwanted emotions, without impulsively acting on them.

Module Four: Interpersonal Effectiveness

The interpersonal effectiveness module is intended to teach people skills to navigate interpersonal problem solving, improve assertiveness, hone social skills to modify aversive environments, and to realize goals in interpersonal encounters. These skills involve helping individuals identify and understand their own needs in a relationship. Interpersonal effectiveness skills also help an individual learn to cultivate, engage, and maintain healthy relationships with others that enable one’s needs to be met. This includes advocating for one’s needs and communicating in way that is non-damaging, assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.

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Norman In Mental Health

What Is The Most Difficult Disorder To Treat?

It would be impossible to suggest any single disorder is universally the most difficult to treat, as the effectiveness of treatment can vary widely depending on the individual, the severity of the disorder, and a range of other factors. However, some disorders are known to be more challenging to treat than others. Schizophrenia, for example, remains one of the more difficult psychiatric disorders to treat. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe neurological disorder that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by episodes in which the individual is unable to distinguish between real and unreal experiences.

Schizophrenia

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) explains that schizophrenia is “a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.” The distorted thinking patterns that present with schizophrenia can lead to disabling symptoms, as they can interfere with an individual’s ability to function in his or her daily life. The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person, but most commonly involve disorganized speech, visual and/ or auditory hallucinations, delusions, certain antisocial behavior patterns (e.g., involuntary movements, poor hygiene practices, catatonia, etc.), and an impaired ability to function appropriately.

Schizophrenia is estimated to affect 1.1 percent of the population, or approximately 2.8 million adults, in the United States aged 18 or older. Although its prevalence is relatively low when compared with other mental health disorders, schizophrenia is recognized as one of the most disabling diseases affecting humankind. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but long-term treatment can help an individual learn how to manage his or her symptoms and prevent the worsening of symptoms. However, treatment can be complicated as people with schizophrenia are often unaware that they have it. In any given year, an estimated 40 percent of individuals with the condition are untreated.

Anosognosia

People with schizophrenia commonly show signs of another condition called anosognosia. Anosognosia is defined as “a neurological condition in which the patient is unaware of their neurological deficit or psychiatric condition.” This causes a person with schizophrenia to be incapable of recognizing that they present with its signs and symptoms, which leads them to believe that treatment would be unnecessary. Further, anosognosia can indirectly trigger schizophrenic delusions, which perpetuates an erroneous notion that those who appear to be helping them are instead attempting to inflict harm. Experts estimate that between 50% and 90% of people with schizophrenia also have anosognosia.

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Norman In Borderline Personality Disorder

How Do I Leave BPD?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic mental health disorder. It is a serious psychological condition that is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, emotions, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships which interfere with one’s ability to function in everyday life. BPD directly affects how one feels about him or herself, one’s behaviors as well as how an individual can relate to others. As is explained by the Mayo Clinic individuals with borderline personality disorder have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and are often unable to tolerate being alone. Even with the strong desire to have loving, and lasting relationships, the symptoms of BPD (e.g., inappropriate anger, impulsiveness, frequent mood swings, etc.) often push others away. Making the decision to end a relationship with a partner diagnosed with borderline personality disorder can be difficult. To help you end your relationship amicably and leave with integrity consider the following suggestions, provided by Psychology Today:

Speak clearly, gently, and with compassion: When communicating it is important to be direct and use short sentences, in a calm and non-threatening voice.

- Remain calm and respectful: It is common for individuals with BPD to lash out when feeling attacked, frustrated, or rejected. Avoid reacting impulsively and do not be sarcastic, snarky, or demeaning.

Avoid blame: The constructive conversations that often occur between two healthy people exploring why their relationship did not work, is unlikely to happen when one of the partners has borderline personality disorder. In attempt to understand why the relationship failed, an individual with BPD is likely to ask what they did wrong. However, rather than accepting their partner’s feedback at face value, they instead hear these explanations as attacks on their character and become defensive or even hostile.

Be a source of validation: Whenever possible, acknowledge and validate their feelings, even if you do not fully agree with their beliefs.
Set and enforce boundaries as necessary: When you break up with someone diagnosed with BPD, they are likely to lash out at you. You have made the choice to end the relationship and to uphold this decision you must set and maintain clear boundaries by stating what you will and will not accept.

The end of any relationship can trigger a range of emotions and in partners with BPD terminating a relationship can cause particularly charged and heightened emotional reactions. Nevertheless, if there comes a point where you feel it best to end a relationship, although their BPD may be helpful in considering the most effective way to deliver this message to your partner, it is generally best to avoid delay.

Treatment In Calabasas

Eating Disorders: Understanding The Different Types

The Connection Between Anxiety And Perfectionism

Treatment In Calabasas

Does DBT Change The Brain?

Treatment In Calabasas

How Can You Tell If Someone Has Borderline Personality Disorder?

Differential Diagnosis

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

What Are DBT Distress Tolerance Skills?

Distress Tolerance Skills

Treatment In Calabasas

Does My Husband Have Borderline Personality Disorder Test?

Signs and Symptoms

What Are The Four Modules Of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Module One: Core Mindfulness

Module Two: Distress Tolerance

Module Three: Emotion Regulation

Module Four: Interpersonal Effectiveness

What Is The Most Difficult Disorder To Treat?

Schizophrenia

Anosognosia

Treatment In Calabasas

How Do I Leave BPD?

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