When Spencer first started dating Melissa, their relationship quickly became very intense. But after a couple of weeks, Spencer became increasingly uneasy because Melissa seemed to constantly need his attention and reassurances of his commitment to her. When Melissa showed up unexpectedly at Spencer's office to have lunch with him, she became enraged when Spencer told her that he was taking two important clients to lunch. Shortly after this incident Spencer tried to break off the relationship with Melissa, which turned into an ugly scene with her screaming profanities at him in the middle of the street. Several days later, Spencer learned that Melissa had been hospitalized for overdosing on tranquilizers. Melissa's pattern of behavior seems to fit which of the following disorders?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Melissa's intense need for attention and reassurance, as well as her extreme reaction to Spencer's decision to have lunch with his clients, are consistent with the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. The emotional instability and impulsivity of people with this disorder can lead to intense, volatile relationships, as well as self-destructive behaviors such as suicide attempts. Melissa's overdose on tranquilizers also suggests that she may struggle with regulating her emotions and impulsivity.

When Spencer First Started Dating Melissa, Their Relationship Quickly Became