QUESTION # 1: Jenny, previously diagnosed with major depression, dysthymia, and alcohol abuse, best fits the DSM-5 criteria for borderline personality disorder. Like major depressive disorder and dysthymia, individuals with borderline personality disorder have feelings of worthlessness and sadness. They also experience symptoms of self-injury and suicidal tendencies. Jenny started self-harming at 13, and still does when stressed, along with her previous diagnoses of depression and suicidal attempts, meets the criteria for these areas of borderline personality disorder. Jenny also meets the criteria for struggling to understand her identity. When asked by her psychologist to describe herself, Jenny states she has no idea. Other areas where Jenny meets the criteria for borderline personality disorder are …show more content…
Often leading to an end in their relationship. She also displays frequent mood swings and impulsive behavior when threatening to overdose on her antidepressant after getting into a fight with her boyfriend over the phone. Further examples of her impulsivity include binge eating, binge drinking, and her substance use where she will have up to 6 drinks. The DSM-5 criteria also includes the inability to manage anger regulation. Jenny shows these criteria for borderline personality disorder in several ways. Fighting with her boyfriend two out of the three months she's dating. Along with her acting out at school, in which her behavior includes getting into altercations with fellow peers and yelling at teachers. Previously, Jenny was diagnosed with major depression and dysthymia. The DSM-5 Criteria for major depressive disorder include many of Jenny’s behaviors. However, her symptoms of having unstable relationships and frequent loss of anger differ from major depressive disorder. Jenny is also not affected by fatigue and loss of