15th February 2025

A 28-year-old woman comes to see you as she is currently struggling with her mental health and would like advice.

A 28-year-old woman comes to see you as she is currently struggling with her mental health and would like advice. She often feels disproportionately anxious, ruminating over her shortcomings and past mistakes, although she can also be emotionally labile. She is overactive to criticism and, once upset, finds it difficult to regain her composure without having to leave the situation to calm down. This has affected all her relationships, and she no longer has contact with her family. She is currently unable to work. When overwhelmed or distressed, she self-harms by cutting her arms and has previously taken an overdose. She is pessimistic about the potential of the suggested interventions to help her and believes they will be too difficult for her. She is also very cynical about the motivations behind these interventions being offered. Although you would want to do a more in-depth consultation, which diagnosis of personality disorder might you consider in her case?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.