From Humpty-Dumpty to Rapunzel: theoretical formulations concerning borderline personality disorder.
A brief review of the development of the concept of Borderline Personality Disorder is given, together with a more detailed consideration of theorists who have made significant contributions to its psychodynamic understanding. Examples of the extreme limits of this diagnostic category are illustrated, using the symbolism of Humpty-Dumpty and Rapunzel. The theories of Winnicott and Kohut, which both elaborate on the concept of a developmental defect, are compared and contrasted. Some implications for therapy are considered.
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Lonie
D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004532:Ego; D005201:Fantasy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009289:Narcissism; D009769:Object Attachment; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology; D013561:Symbolism; D014167:Transference, Psychology