(10.3) Jerry, a female, was 32 years old when she was taken by ambulance to the
ID: 3489132 • Letter: #
Question
(10.3) Jerry, a female, was 32 years old when she was taken by ambulance to the local hospital's emergency room. She had taken 80 Tylenol capsules and an unknown amount of Ativan in a suicide attempt. Once medically stable, She was evaluated by the hospital's social worker to determine her clinical needs. The social worker asked her about her family of origin. She refused to discuss this issue with the social worker. She acknowledged previous suicide attempts as well as a history of cutting her arm with a razor blade during stressful episodes. She reported that the cutting "helps the pain." She denied having "a problem" with substances but admitted taking "medication" and "drinking socially." A review of her medications revealed the use of Ativan "when I need it." It soon became clear that she was using a variety of benzodiazepines (antianxiety medications) prescribed by several doctors and probably was taking a daily dose indicative of serious dependence. She reported using alcohol "on weekends with friends" but was vague about the amount. She did acknowledge that before her suicide attempts, she drank alone in her apartment. This last suicide attempt was a response to a breakup with her boyfriend. In your opinion what kind of Personality disorder does she have - or does she?
Explanation / Answer
Jerry has a personality disorder and she is also abusing substance. Because she is dependent on substance, there are chances that her symptoms are becoming serious. Jerry is showing symptoms of someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Symptoms of BPD are:
Jerry has to be treated for both BPD as well as substance abuse.
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