Lost in the Mirror: An Inside Look at Borderline Personality Disorder

Discusses the signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder, explores the possible causes, and offers encouragement for patients undergoing treatment for the disorder

Persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have often been abused physically, psychologically, or sexually; most are women. Moskovitz describes variations of the condition and how it affects patient, family, and friends. The sufferer may experience guilt, self-hate, suicide, self-mutilation, and other symptoms and signs, and Moskovitz provides several patient histories to bring BPD to life. No case is more considerable than that of Sara, which Moskovitz parcels out in segments at the ends of chapters--a tactic that first seems artificial and confusing but cumulatively makes a greater impression than it would if presented whole. Moskovitz is especially adept with analogies, using everyday situations to clarify his points rather than just adorn the text. He imparts that while there is no drug just for BPD, some drugs help with specific symptoms, and he dispenses practical advice to family and professionals as well as patients. William Beatty