Ken may act sad one minute and happy the next. He seems to have no idea what he wants out of life. He says he cannot stand being alone, yet he gets into violent fights with his friends over minor matters. When his marriage broke up due to his drastic mood shifts and impulsive gambling, Ken attempted suicide. Which of the following diagnoses best fits Ken's symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ken's symptoms are typical of borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by instability in mood, relationships, and self-image, as well as impulsive behavior and a fear of abandonment. This is evidenced by Ken's drastic mood shifts, his inability to know what he wants out of life, his violent fights with friends, his inability to tolerate being alone, and his attempted suicide after his marriage ended due to his extreme behavior. Bipolar disorder is characterized by distinct episodes of mania and depression, which does not seem to fully fit Ken's symptoms. Dissociative identity disorder involves the presence of two or more distinct and separate personalities or identities, which is not evident in Ken's symptoms. Schizotypal personality disorder involves odd or eccentric behavior and thinking patterns, which is not fully demonstrated in Ken's case.

Ken May Act Sad One Minute and Happy the Next