Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

A defining feature of Borderline Personality Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Intense and unstable relationships

Answer

Stable and fulfilling relationships

Answer

Grandiose delusions of self-worth

Answer

Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness

Question 2

People with Borderline Personality Disorder often experience:

Accepted Answer

Rapid and intense changes in mood.

Answer

A loss of interest in things they used to enjoy.

Answer

A belief that they are more important than others.

Answer

Sudden pauses in their thoughts or speech.

Question 3

Which comorbid condition is typically NOT associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizoaffective disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 4

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment specifically developed for Borderline Personality Disorder, includes which of the following core skills?

Accepted Answer

Both mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills

Answer

Mindfulness and emotion regulation techniques

Answer

Cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts

Answer

Interpersonal effectiveness skills to improve communication and relationships

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Stable and healthy self-esteem

Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness

Answer

Difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors

Answer

Intense emotional mood swings

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense mood swings

Answer

Persistent delusions

Answer

Impaired language comprehension

Answer

Reduced emotional expression

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of individuals with BPD?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Answer

Impulsive behavior

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Cognitive distortions

Question 8

The term 'borderline' in Borderline Personality Disorder refers to:

Accepted Answer

Its position between neurosis and psychosis

Answer

Its fluctuating severity

Answer

Its diagnostic uncertainty

Answer

Its relationship to other personality disorders

Question 9

Which of the following is a central characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent idealization and devaluation of others

Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness

Answer

Religious delusions

Answer

Disorganized thoughts and speech

Question 10

Which type of psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base for treating Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Person-centered therapy

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a protective factor against the development of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Secure attachment

Answer

Positive parenting

Answer

Social support

Question 12

Which treatment modality for BPD emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques?

Accepted Answer

DBT

Answer

CBT

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Schema therapy

Question 13

According to the DSM-5, what is the primary diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of intense and unstable relationships marked by alternating idealization and devaluation

Answer

Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats

Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness

Answer

Impulsivity in at least two potentially self-damaging areas

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a common comorbid condition with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Depression

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 15

What is the term for the intense fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD?

Accepted Answer

Annihilation anxiety

Answer

Fear of engulfment

Answer

Separation anxiety

Answer

Pathological dependency

Question 16

What is the prognosis for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Varies widely, depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment received, and other individual factors.

Answer

Generally poor, with limited improvement over time.

Answer

Generally good, with most individuals leading fulfilling lives.

Answer

Unknown, as there is limited long-term research on BPD.

Question 17

Which treatment approach has the strongest empirical support and is considered the gold standard for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Medication

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the relationship dynamics in Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Stable and fulfilling romantic relationships

Answer

Intense idealization and devaluation of others

Answer

Extreme fear of abandonment

Answer

Emotional dependency and clinginess

Question 19

What is the primary focus of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for BPD?

Accepted Answer

Emotional regulation and coping mechanisms

Answer

Cognitive restructuring and challenging negative thoughts

Answer

Behavioral activation and increasing positive behaviors

Answer

Insight-oriented exploration of past experiences

Question 20

Which of the following is a strength-based approach to understanding Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Resilience model, focusing on coping strengths and adaptive mechanisms

Answer

Biopsychosocial model, considering biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Psychodynamic model, exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral model, emphasizing the role of thoughts and behaviors

Question 21

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of BPD requires meeting?

Accepted Answer

Six out of nine criteria

Answer

Five out of nine criteria

Answer

Seven out of nine criteria

Answer

Eight out of nine criteria

Question 22

Which of these is NOT a risk factor for developing BPD?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Genetics and heritability

Answer

Experiences of childhood trauma

Answer

Substance use

Question 23

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what is the minimum number of symptoms required for a diagnosis of BPD?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

3

Answer

7

Answer

9

Question 24

What is the primary goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the treatment of BPD?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms and improve functioning

Answer

To uncover the unconscious roots of the disorder

Answer

To promote insight into the causes of BPD

Answer

To prevent suicide and self-harm

Question 25

What is a characteristic of the idealization phase during interpersonal relationships in individuals with BPD?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated admiration and idealization of the other person

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment and devaluation of the other person

Answer

Withdrawal and avoidance of the other person

Answer

Stable and balanced view of the other person's qualities and flaws

Question 26

What is a key difference between self-harm and suicidal behavior in BPD?

Accepted Answer

Self-harm is primarily a way to relieve emotional distress, while suicidal behavior is a response to severe hopelessness.

Answer

Self-harm is a deliberate attempt to end one's life, while suicidal behavior is not.

Answer

Self-harm is more common in men with BPD, while suicidal behavior is more common in women with BPD.

Answer

There is no significant distinction between self-harm and suicidal behavior in BPD.

Question 27

How can family members play a supportive role in the treatment of BPD?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support and validation

Answer

Challenging the individual's distorted thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Taking over responsibility for the individual's life decisions

Answer

Withholding information about their diagnosis or prognosis

Question 28

Which symptom is a core characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of emptiness

Answer

Difficulty managing anger

Answer

Excessive pursuit of perfection

Answer

Frequent delusions

Question 29

In the treatment of BPD, which therapy approach focuses on developing emotional regulation and interpersonal skills?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Medication Therapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Question 30

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with the unstable interpersonal relationships often observed in BPD?

Accepted Answer

Stable and supportive relationships

Answer

Idealization and devaluation of others

Answer

Fear of abandonment

Answer

Frequent conflicts and breakups

Question 31

Regarding the prognosis of BPD, it is considered:

Accepted Answer

Highly variable and dependent on individual factors

Answer

Chronic and incurable

Answer

Episodic and self-limiting

Answer

Transient and easily treatable

Question 32

Per the DSM-5, which criterion is required for a diagnosis of BPD: Extreme mood swings?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Yes

Question 33

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized psychotherapy designed to treat:

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 34

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a predominant fear of:

Accepted Answer

Abandonment

Answer

Intimacy

Answer

Failure

Question 35

Which of the following principles is central to DBT?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Question 36

True or False: Individuals with BPD are generally able to maintain stable, healthy relationships without significant conflict.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a significant challenge in the treatment of BPD?

Accepted Answer

Availability of effective evidence-based treatments

Answer

High dropout rates and difficulty maintaining therapy involvement

Answer

Lack of access to adequate and affordable mental health services

Answer

Stigma and societal misunderstanding

Question 38

BPD is characterized by a pattern of:

Accepted Answer

Unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image

Answer

Excessive need for control and perfectionism

Answer

Grandiose delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and rituals

Question 39

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is specifically designed to treat:

Accepted Answer

BPD

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Question 40

Individuals with BPD may experience:

Accepted Answer

Chronic feelings of emptiness and a sense of inner void

Answer

Delusions of persecution and beliefs that others are plotting against them

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions that disconnect them from reality

Answer

Preoccupation with cleanliness, order, and symmetry

Question 41

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense and unstable relationships characterized by idealization and devaluation

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Grandiose delusions of grandeur

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and rituals

Question 42

Major depressive disorder is a common comorbid condition with BPD. Which other condition is also frequently comorbid with BPD?

Accepted Answer

Substance use disorder

Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 43

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of psychotherapy for BPD. Which of the following is a key component of DBT?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques

Answer

Hypnosis

Answer

Cognitive restructuring alone

Answer

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Question 44

Which of the following is a potential risk factor for the development of BPD?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma and neglect

Answer

Genetic predisposition without environmental factors

Answer

Poverty alone

Answer

Aging

Question 45

A characteristic feature of the splitting defense mechanism commonly seen in BPD is:

Accepted Answer

Viewing others as either all good or all bad, with no shades of gray

Answer

Ignoring negative aspects of oneself

Answer

Attributing own negative qualities to others

Answer

Exaggerating positive qualities of others

Question 46

Schema therapy for BPD primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Resolving maladaptive schemas and patterns of thinking and behavior

Answer

Improving general coping mechanisms

Answer

Changing negative thought patterns only

Question 47

Which of the following is a recommended coping strategy for managing emotional intensity in BPD?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in mindfulness exercises and distress tolerance techniques

Answer

Avoiding triggering situations altogether

Answer

Using substances or self-harm to cope

Answer

Suppressing emotions

Question 48

Which of the following symptoms is **NOT** a core feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive concern with orderliness and perfectionism.

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment.

Answer

Unstable sense of self and identity.

Question 49

A therapist is working with a client with BPD who frequently engages in self-harm. Which of the following therapeutic approaches is considered **MOST** effective in addressing this behavior?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 50

What best describes the emotional lability experienced by individuals with BPD?

Accepted Answer

Rapid and intense shifts in mood, often triggered by interpersonal events.

Answer

Chronic anxiety and fear.

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Question 51

A student is struggling with intense feelings of emptiness and a lack of a stable sense of self. They often engage in risky behaviors and have difficulty maintaining relationships. These symptoms are most consistent with which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Question 52

What is a key focus of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BPD?

Accepted Answer

Teaching clients skills for managing emotions, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Answer

Using medication to primarily address emotional dysregulation.

Answer

Focusing primarily on uncovering unconscious conflicts.

Question 53

What is the primary function of the 'splitting' defense mechanism often seen in individuals with BPD?

Accepted Answer

To simplify complex emotions and relationships by viewing people and situations as either all good or all bad.

Answer

To suppress painful memories and avoid confrontation.

Question 54

A client with BPD has been engaging in self-harming behaviors. What is the **MOST** appropriate initial response from a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Express concern and validate the client's feelings while setting clear boundaries about self-harm.

Answer

Ignore the behavior and focus on other therapeutic goals.

Answer

Immediately attempt to stop the self-harm behavior through physical intervention.

Question 55

Which of the following is **NOT** considered a potential risk factor for developing BPD?

Accepted Answer

A history of being raised in a culturally diverse environment.

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Childhood trauma and abuse

Question 56

A therapist working with a client with BPD utilizes a combination of individual therapy and group skills training. This approach is most consistent with which model of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 57

Which of the following is a common misconception about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

People with BPD are inherently dangerous and unpredictable.

Answer

BPD can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Answer

BPD is a complex and challenging disorder.