[24F] Experiencing mood instability and impulsive behaviors
Patient Description
A 24-year-old female reports experiencing intense emotions, mood swings, fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships. She also notes impulsive behaviors such as spending sprees and binge eating, along with feelings of emptiness and difficulty controlling anger. There is a family history of psychiatric illnesses. The patient has a history of asthma, diagnosed in 2011. Current medications include Abilify 15 mg once daily, Trazodone 200 mg nightly, Prazosin 2 mg as needed, and Gabapentin 300 mg once daily in the morning. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by:
- Intense Emotions and Mood Swings: You may experience rapid changes in mood and intense emotional responses.
- Fear of Abandonment and Unstable Relationships: It's common to have a strong fear of being left alone and to experience difficulties in maintaining stable relationships.
- Impulsive Behaviors: This can include actions like spending sprees or binge eating.
- Feelings of Emptiness and Anger: Many people with BPD feel a chronic sense of emptiness and may have trouble managing anger.
Treatment typically involves therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on skills like emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Medications like those you're taking can also help manage symptoms.
What you can do
- Therapy: Engage in regular therapy sessions. DBT is particularly effective for BPD.
- Medication Adherence: Continue taking your medications as prescribed. They can help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
- Self-Care: Practice self-care activities that help you relax and manage stress, such as mindfulness or yoga.
- Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
- Worsening Symptoms: If you notice an increase in impulsive behaviors or emotional distress, reach out to your healthcare provider.
- Safety Concerns: If you ever feel like harming yourself or others, seek immediate help from a professional or call emergency services.
- Medication Side Effects: Be aware of any new or worsening side effects from your medications and discuss them with your doctor.
Remember, it's important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage BPD effectively.
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3 mo ago
