4 types of BPD are not recognized in the DSM-5 definition, but include:
Discouraged borderline personality disorder
- High-functioning, successful, perfectionist,
- Internalizing (hide emotions), quiet, feel lonely (fear abandonment, so they are clingy), self-isolate,
- Feel despair/depression and rage against themselves (may self-harm).
Impulsive borderline personality disorder
- Externalized anger, blame other people (“I’ll show you!”), physical fights, outbursts,
- Bore easily,
- Bingeing behaviour (ex. excessive alcohol, eating, spending),
- Risky behaviour such as casual unprotected sex or illicit drug use (similar to mania or bi-polar).
Petulant borderline personality disorder
- Attention seeking,
- Huge mood swings,
- Act out if they don’t get their way (sense of entitlement, irritable, impatient, stubborn),
- Jealous, desire control (similar to narcissism),
Self-destructive borderline personality disorder
- Dysphoric, hate themselves,
- Self-defeating (ex. can’t keep a job),
- Self-harm – burning, cutting, threats of suicide, substance abuse, risky activities (similar to major depressive disorder).