Abstract This paper includes an extensive literature review of the role of trauma in the development of BPD, along with a clinical case study of a girl with BPD, and a transcript of an actual conversation between therapist and patient. BPD is characterized by a combination of impulsive, emotional, and cognitive deficits in personality functioning. The disorder seems to develop as a result of early childhood trauma, especially traumatic experiences related to parental neglect and abuse. Children who are classified as being highly abused tend to have greater tendencies toward developing BPD than non-abused children. This paper explores the association between childhood trauma and the development of borderline personality disorder in adult females.
From the Paper "Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by an array of symptoms that are most prevalent in females. According to the DSM-IV, BPD is defined as: A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. 3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. 4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). 5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior. 6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days). 7. Chronic feelings of emptiness. 8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights). 9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. (American Psychiatric Association, 1995) "
Abstract Discussion of the expanded use of psychotropic drugs among young children. Issues of prescribing habits of physicians and whether an epidemic of childrenhood depression exists. Problem of over-medication & lack of a policy or protocols or prescriging anti-depressants. Discusses several studies on the use of anti-depressants by children and adolescents.
From the Paper "Children and Anti-Depressants
In the United States, the number of children aged six to twelve who were prescribed Prozac quadrupled from 51,000 in 1995 to 203,000 in 1996. It is the view of George Halasz (1998) that in order to justify increased prescribing of antidepressants to children; the medical profession has declared an epidemic of childhood depression. Estimates of the extent of the problem indicate that about 3.4 million Americans under the age of 18 are said to be "seriously" depressed. In North America, up to 800,000 antidepressant prescriptions were written in 1997 for children, some of whom were only five years old (Kluger, 1998). A number of these children were simultaneously taking stimulants, such as Ritalin, because depression is often a byproduct of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, as Kluger ..."
Abstract Proposes a study design to assess impact of childhood abuse on adult adjustment Relationships between early sexual abuse and adult problems (depession, anxiety, drug abuse, attempted suicide, psychiatric disorders. Depression & anxiety in women and men.. Research questions & hypotheses. Methodology. Nonclinical random sample using only self-reports. Data analysis. Review of literature.
From the Paper "EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE ON FEMALE & MALE ADULTS
I. INTRODUCTION
Statement of the Problem
Childhood sexual abuse continues to be prevalent and prevention or intervention efforts are considered a failure ("Child," 1999; Gelles, 1998). Childhood sexual abuse results in effects that continue into adulthood. Relationships between this sexual abuse and adult problems such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, attempted suicide, and psychiatric disorders, have been found (McCauley, Kern, Kolodner, Dill, Schroeder, DeChant, Ryden, Derogatis, & Bass, 1997). Studies of the effects of childhood sexual abuse on women are more prevalent than those regarding male victims. Those regarding male victims tend to focus on sexual identity issues (Ferren, 1998). Effects of this abuse on ..."
