Which of the following depictions is most consistent with signs of borderline personality disorder?

• A. A person who exhibits repetitive checking behaviors and intrusive thoughts about contamination.
• B. A person who experiences intense and unstable relationships, has a fear of abandonment, and displays impulsive behaviors.
• C. A person who has persistent delusions and auditory hallucinations, but maintains stable relationships.
• D. A person who has periods of elevated mood and energy followed by episodes of depression.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by intense and unstable interpersonal relationships, a pervasive fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and emotional instability.
2. Step 2: Review each option and identify key symptoms or behaviors described. For example, repetitive checking and intrusive thoughts suggest obsessive-compulsive tendencies, not BPD.
3. Step 3: Recognize that persistent delusions and auditory hallucinations are hallmark symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, which differ from BPD.
4. Step 4: Note that periods of elevated mood and energy followed by depression are indicative of mood disorders like bipolar disorder, not BPD.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the description involving intense and unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors aligns most closely with the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder.