, PYC4802 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 – DUE August 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Clinical
Challenges and the South African Context
Introduction
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most complex
and difficult mental disorders to assess and diagnose. It falls under
Cluster B of the personality disorders in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and
is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, self-image, and
interpersonal relationships. Due to the high comorbidity with other
psychiatric conditions and the overlap of symptoms with mood and
anxiety disorders, clinicians often find it difficult to arrive at an
accurate diagnosis. These challenges are further compounded in
developing countries such as South Africa, where mental health
infrastructure is under-resourced, cultural understandings of mental
illness differ widely, and stigma remains prevalent (Burke et al.,
2019). This essay will first outline the diagnostic criteria for
personality disorders, focusing specifically on BPD. It will then
critically examine the challenges clinicians face when identifying
and diagnosing BPD and discuss how these challenges are
particularly relevant within the South African context. Finally, the
essay will integrate academic literature on cultural factors and
diagnostic complexity.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Personality Disorders and BPD
2025 – DUE August 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Clinical
Challenges and the South African Context
Introduction
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most complex
and difficult mental disorders to assess and diagnose. It falls under
Cluster B of the personality disorders in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and
is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, self-image, and
interpersonal relationships. Due to the high comorbidity with other
psychiatric conditions and the overlap of symptoms with mood and
anxiety disorders, clinicians often find it difficult to arrive at an
accurate diagnosis. These challenges are further compounded in
developing countries such as South Africa, where mental health
infrastructure is under-resourced, cultural understandings of mental
illness differ widely, and stigma remains prevalent (Burke et al.,
2019). This essay will first outline the diagnostic criteria for
personality disorders, focusing specifically on BPD. It will then
critically examine the challenges clinicians face when identifying
and diagnosing BPD and discuss how these challenges are
particularly relevant within the South African context. Finally, the
essay will integrate academic literature on cultural factors and
diagnostic complexity.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Personality Disorders and BPD
