A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder self-inflicted wrist lacerations after gaining new privileges on the unit. The cause of the self-mutilation is probably related to:

A) inherited disorder that manifests itself as an incapacity to tolerate stress.
B) use of projective identification and splitting to bring anxiety to manageable levels.
C) constitutional inability to regulate affect, predisposing to psychic disorganization.
D) fear of abandonment associated with progress toward autonomy and independence.

Question

Jennifer Skelton · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Fear of abandonment is a central theme for most patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This fear is often exacerbated when patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder experience success or growth. The incorrect options are not associated with self-mutilation.

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