Borderline Personality Disorder (BDP), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Substance Abuse/Dependence and Relating Factors and Treatments
Andrew Stewart
York University
202920379
Introduction
Diana Miller’s story uncovers many symptoms over the course of several years. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are established with evidence. Diana’s increasing use of Valium in addition to excessive alcohol use suggests an abuse/dependency development (Sussman, 2010). Diana’s quality of life is in decline. Exploring cultural, gender and social factors along with established cognitive behaviour models will explain the root of Dianna’s plight. Last, treatment options in psychotherapy specifically relating to…show more content… In Dianna Miller’s case, when her father left at the age of 3, her exposure to abandonment was realized for the first time. It could be speculated that in order to compensate for this loss, Dianna’s mother created an environment of dependence thereby increasing her vulnerability for mental illness in the future (Sussman, 2010). Eating disorders, such a bulimia nervosa are only seen in western culture. Exposure to western society creates risk for such a disease. Approaches such as the Universalist view suggest that real disorders are those that defy cultural approaches (Isaac, 2013). For example depression can occur anywhere, because it has a scope that is not confined to one particular cultural norm (Isaac, 2013). Understanding cultural norms for clinicians affects how a diagnosis is reached. If a patient does not understand how to describe their symptoms, clinicians cannot accurately evaluate to diagnosis and establish a treatment plan. Lacking cultural sensitivity and awareness can lead to an incorrect diagnosis (Stacciarini et al., 2007). Clinicians lacking a broad cultural scope may be viewed as incompetent rather than lacking knowledge, thus lose the trust of their client (Balhara, 2011). There is little research in this area and therefore evidence can only be speculated at this point regarding cultural influence on personality disorders (McGilloway. 2010). When examining borderline personality disorder specifically it is believed that culture and gender play a significant role in the development and diagnosis of this disease (Bender et al.,