ABSTRACT
The Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is theoretically interesting from a psychoanalytic perspective. In Carl's case, the childhood victimization by his father and unavailability of his mother would be important to focus on in therapy. During his intake interview with a psychiatry resident, Dr. Posner, Carl cried and wrung his hands as he described the preceding month. Dr. Posner's first step is to determine as carefully as possible whether Carl also has any comorbid mood or anxiety disorders, because these may be more treatable than is BPD. Carl's history does not support a diagnosis of major depression but does indicate dysthymia, a milder but very chronic form of mood disorder. Dr. Posner also focused on making mindfulness skills part of Carl's daily practice. Using these skills, Carl learned to avoid reacting so intensely to outside stress by breaking away instead to a state of calm internal awareness and acceptance of the immediate moment in time.
