Alex Forrest Borderline Personality Disorder

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To meet the diagnostic criteria for an adjustment disorder, an individual must show emotional or behavioural symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor that occur within three months after the onset of the stressor. These symptoms must be out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor and must significantly impair the individual’s social or occupational functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Alex Forrest’s behaviour following the breakup with Mr. Gallagher are certain out of proportion considering it was an affair that only lasted over the course of a weekend. She becomes suicidal and violent, and even stalks Mr. Gallagher (Jaffe & Lansing, 1987). The symptoms for an adjustment disorder must not meet the …show more content…

People suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder have an intense fear of abandonment and will go to drastic measures to avoid real or perceived abandonment. They may engage in suicidal or self-mutilating behaviours, and impulsive behaviour. Alex Forrest has an impromptu affair with a married man without using any contraceptives or (protection), which is risky and impulsive behaviour. In a later part of the film, Ms. Forrest cuts her own leg with a knife when she confronts Mrs. Gallagher, and when Mr. Gallagher tries to break off the relationship, she cuts her wrists in an attempt to get him to stay with her (Jaffe & Lansing, 1987). This is after she violently lashes out at him the first time he tries to leave. Inappropriate, intense anger and difficulty controlling that anger is another symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). People with Borderline Personality Disorder also have a tendency to view others as “all-good” or “all-bad” (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2013). They may idealise a person one minute and despise them the next. An example of this “splitting” is the tape Alex leaves for Mr. Gallagher. Her words to him at the beginning of the recording make it seem like she cares deeply for him. However, as the tape continues to play, her words become harsh and antagonistic (Jaffe & Lansing,

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