What is the main characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder?

The main characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is the instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with BPD often experience intense and rapidly changing moods, which can lead to challenging interactions with others. This instability manifests in various ways, including chaotic relationships, difficulty maintaining a stable sense of self, and emotional responses that are disproportionate to the circumstances.

People with BPD may have intense fears of abandonment, leading to behaviors that push others away even as they seek closeness. Their self-image can be unstable, shifting rapidly based on the reactions and perceptions of others, which can leave them feeling empty or lost. These features are core to the disorder and significantly impact the lives of those affected, creating a pattern of interpersonal difficulties and emotional suffering.

In contrast, some of the other characteristics mentioned in the options reflect traits related to different mental health conditions. For example, persistent detachment from social relationships is more characteristic of Schizoid Personality Disorder rather than BPD, and an independent and self-sufficient personality does not align with the deeply relational challenges faced by those with BPD. Unstable moods without emotional reactions are contradictory; while people with BPD do have mood instability, it is typically accompanied by strong emotional reactions. Thus