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: En litteraturstudie om borderline personlighetsstörning

Abstract

Background: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by high impulsivity, long-lasting feelings of emptiness, self-injury and destructive relationships. The disease has a high suicide risk, estimated to 8-10%. The cause of borderline personality disorder is yet unknown, but studies have shown that childhood trauma and negative life events may be a contributing factor to illness. The majority of those who develop borderline personality disorder are women. Aim: The aim of the literature review was to describe women’s experience of living with borderline personality disorder. Method: A literature review was conducted in which qualitative and quantitative articles were examined. Results: The authors found a correlation between childhood trauma and women's experience of low self-esteem, shame, and identity confusion. Anxiety was something that usually characterized the lives of women and this was often the basis for self-harm and suicidal thoughts. While women were longing for closeness and to be loved, there was still a fear of being exploited and betrayed. In the meeting with the nursing staff the women felt they often were not taken seriously and felt mostly a nuisance. Conclusion: Women with borderline personality are living on the edge between life and death and have a strong need for stable relationships and surroundings. To respond to these women correctly it requires more knowledge of the disease among health professionals.