Which disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of unstable self-image and relationships?

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of unstable self-image and relationships. Individuals with this disorder often experience intense and unstable emotions, leading to difficulties in self-perception and interpersonal interactions. They may have an unstable self-image, seeing themselves as good or bad in rapid shifts and often struggling with their identity. This instability extends to their relationships, where they may idealize someone one moment and devalue them the next.

People with borderline personality disorder often have a fear of abandonment, which can manifest in frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined separation. Their relationships can be tumultuous due to their intense emotional responses and impulsive behaviors. This pattern of instability in self-image and relationships is a hallmark of the disorder and sets it apart from other personality disorders.

In contrast, narcissistic personality disorder is characterized more by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity and a need for admiration, while histrionic personality disorder involves excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Antisocial personality disorder is defined by a disregard for the rights of others and a lack of empathy. Each of these disorders presents different features, but the specific instability in self-image and relationships is distinctive to borderline personality disorder.