Denise Gilmartin Borderline Personality Disorder

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Diagnosis: Denise Gilmartin, a 26 year old female, exhibits behaviors which meet criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. Denise exhibits unstable intense interpersonal relationships characterized by idealization and devaluation (Criterion 2). She has a history of brief tumultuous relationships and friendships. They start of with quick intense attachments and are described by Denise as “wonderful” and “incredibly special” (idealization); however, these feelings quickly devolve into “contempt” and “loathing” (devaluation). Additionally, Denise displays an unstable sense of self (Criterion 3). Her unsteady employment history is partially explained by dramatic shifts in interests. She switched from marketing to legal work to waitressing. It is also important to note that interpersonal issues underly most of her …show more content…

Denise also displays impulsivity in more than two self-damaging areas (Criterion 4). She has a history of binge drinking, shoplifting, and spending too much money. There is a history of suicide attempts, suicidal gestures, and self-mutilation (Criterion 5). Most recently she presented at the emergency room which self-inflicted cuts which required stitches and a small overdose of Ativan. Denise displays instability and reactivity of mood (Criterion 6). She is often depressed, but is occasionally filled with energy and rage. Denise has expressed chronic feelings of emptiness (Criterion 7) beginning during her teenage years, and stated that it feels like she “doesn’t exist.” Finally Denise has difficulty controlling her intense anger (Criterion 8). One employer fired her for throwing a drink at a customer after becoming so angry. For these reasons, Denise should be diagnosed with Borderline

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