Borderline Personality Disorder Simulation
This past term has taught me a lot about different diseases and disorders, along with the general medical field. This unit focused on mental disorders, describing what they are, who they affect, and how they can affect people and those around them. In this class we look into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which is often used in medical professional environments. We also dove into the structure of the brain and brain waves. This project allows me to focus on a specific mental disorder, learn more about it, and grow a deeper understanding of how it affects people. The disorder that I chose is called borderline personality disorder. I have created a type of simulation that will hopefully help one to also grow a deeper understanding of what borderline personality disorder is.
I am focusing on borderline personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a mental disorder that makes it much more difficult for one to feel secure in their relationships and it consists of unstable moods and behavior. This specifically has to do with instability in relationships and self and fear of abandonment. This can also make one make impulsive decisions.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM describes BPD as “a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood and present
BPD is a disorder that is caused by either brain abnormalities or genetics. The part of the brain that is affected by BPD is the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that affects the emotions. One may have a higher chance of developing BPD if a close relative has a history with it. Another risk factor to BPD is having a traumatized or stressful childhood. Oftentimes when one has BPD, they can have a comorbidity with, depression, anxiety disorder, alcoholism, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or ADHD.
BPD can often get misdiagnosed with Bipolar disorder. As explained by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, “the main difference between the two is the time in which the emotional swings occur. Bipolar disorder can have someone having big emotions that switch over the course of days, weeks, or sometimes months. Whereas someone with borderline personality might have big conflicting emotions within the span of a couple hours.”
9 traits or symptoms of BPD:
“Fear of abandonment” - being terrified that those around them are going to leave them and often results in pushing them away.
“Unstable relationships” - having short lasting relationships that can quickly turn into a toxic one because of the intense mood swings.
“Unclear or shifting self image” - unstable sense of self that can cause one to have differing views day to day.
“Impulsive or self destructive behavior” - can be described as “engaging in harmful sensation-seeking behavior”.
“Self harm” - Suicidal behavior.
“Extreme emotional swings” - unstable or differing emotions or feelings.
“Chronic feelings of emptiness” - feeling like there is a hole or void in them.
“Explosive anger” - having intense anger or a short temper.
“Feeling suspicious or out of touch with reality” - having paranoia or suspicious thoughts.
In terms of getting support or help, there are many places that offer help for mental issues. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helps find support for many different issues related to mental health, along with locations of these support groups.
To grow a deeper understanding of BPD, I have created a simulation that shows some of the symptoms of this personality disorder through sound. I picked out three different songs that provoke three different feelings when listening to them. They will switch at random times and to show how quickly someone with BPD might feel with their mood changes. I choose to do this because with BPD there are major mood changes and that was the feeling that I wanted someone to feel.
To do the simulation, go to this link. Listen to the track with headphones and you can either sit still and listen, or do a task that does not take much time e.g., clean your room or do the dishes.
Below I have a minute by minute rundown of the brain waves most present in one's brain while partaking in the simulation. I also made a graph that shows these brain waves.
Minute by minute rundown:
1min - Listen/watch my presentation - Beta
2min - Listen/watch my presentation - Beta
3min - Listen/watch my presentation - Beta
4min - Listen/watch my presentation - Beta
5min - Listen/watch my presentation - Beta
6min - Listen to specified songs - Alpha
7min - Listen to specified songs - Alpha
8min - Listen to specified songs - Alpha
9min - Listen to specified songs - Alpha
10min - Listen to specified songs - Alpha
Works cited:
Help Guide. “Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).” helpguide, 9 2020, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/borderline-personality-disorder.htm. Accessed 17 March 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Borderline personality disorder.” mayoclinic, 17 7 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237. Accessed 17 March 2020.
NHS. “Causes - Borderline Personality Disorder.” nhs.uk, 17 7 2019, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/causes/#:~:text=These%20parts%20were%3A,in%20planning%20and%20decision%20making. Accessed 17 March 2021.
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