Mrs. K's presentation most closely aligns with which personality disorder?

Mrs. K's presentation most closely aligns with which personality disorder?

• A. Avoidant personality disorder
• B. Dependent personality disorder
• C. Borderline personality disorder
• D. Histrionic personality disorder

Answer: (C)

Emotional and relational instability is the hallmark here. If Mrs. K shows intense, unstable relationships with rapid swings between idealizing and devaluing others, a persistent fear of abandonment, and a fluctuating sense of self or identity, along with impulsive behaviors and affective instability, this pattern best fits borderline personality disorder. The other labels describe different patterns: avoidant personality involves social inhibition and hypersensitivity to rejection; dependent personality centers on an excessive need to be taken care of and difficulties making decisions; histrionic personality features attention-seeking and overly dramatic, shallow emotions. The mix of mood volatility, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment points most strongly to borderline personality disorder.

Emotional and relational instability is the hallmark here. If Mrs. K shows intense, unstable relationships with rapid swings between idealizing and devaluing others, a persistent fear of abandonment, and a fluctuating sense of self or identity, along with impulsive behaviors and affective instability, this pattern best fits borderline personality disorder. The other labels describe different patterns: avoidant personality involves social inhibition and hypersensitivity to rejection; dependent personality centers on an excessive need to be taken care of and difficulties making decisions; histrionic personality features attention-seeking and overly dramatic, shallow emotions. The mix of mood volatility, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment points most strongly to borderline personality disorder.