Scenario 3: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Background:
A 28-year-old woman is referred to you for evaluation due to recurrent episodes of emotional instability, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties. She reports frequent conflicts with family members and romantic partners and mentions engaging in self-harm behaviors when upset. She has a history of unstable relationships and an intense fear of abandonment.
Role-Playing Exercise:
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NP’s Role: You are conducting an intake interview to assess the patient's symptoms. Start by creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment to help her feel safe enough to disclose her feelings and experiences.
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Patient’s Role: The patient feels misunderstood and may become defensive or emotional during the session. She struggles to express her emotions but tries to explain her behavior.
Discussion Prompts:
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How can you assess the patient’s emotional instability and the underlying triggers for her behavior?
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What is the role of validation in DBT for this patient, and how might it help her?
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What would be the initial therapeutic goals when working with a patient diagnosed with BPD?
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What are the benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and how can you introduce this as a treatment option for this patient?
