The PsyCom.Net Book Service presents books on

Borderline Personality Disorder

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Stop Walking on Eggshells; Coping When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
by Paul T. Mason, Randi Kreger, Larry J. Siever

One of the scariest things to happen to someone is to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. . . or to have one of your loved ones diagnosed with BPD. There are many resources that explain what BPD is but they offer little help when it comes to dealing with this disorder in everyday life. Stop Walking on Eggshells not only explains the disorder in clear and simple language but it also offers ways for non-Borderline people to deal with the BPs in their life. And yet, this book is not exclusively for non-Borderline people. As a BP, I found the book to be very educational and sometimes shocking. I learned how my behavior affects others around me. It made me more aware of what non-BPs are thinking and feeling and encouraged me in my desire to change my behaviors through cognitive efforts. The authors are both sensitive to the needs of the Borderline Personality and the non-BPs by using realistic and non-accusatory language. Their goal is to help people deal with this sometimes unexplainable psychological disorder. They do not try to offer solutions but rather focus on different techniques that can be of great aid to non-BPs and Borderline Personalities alike. I recommend this book to anyone who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, has a friend or family member with the disorder, or is planning on/works in a field where contact with people is a must.
--Amy Deal

This book has proven to be an excellent resource for family members and co-workers who have expressed some frustrations in their relationships with individuals with BPD. it provides helpful background information to help people understand the problem and conceptualize it. it provides realistic exercises and suggested approaches that usually seem to be very helpful in relating with individuals with BPD. if one book to provide, i prefer this book over the other eggshell book in that it is better received, more understandable, and more useful. some patients' loved ones take it and hide it for a while as they begin reading it. almost all find that eventually it is most effective when there is real cooperation between partners on learning new, more effective ways of relating. i've given out at least one dozen copies of this book and it is very popular. i believe it is well worth the price, new, given the tools and hope that it can provide.
--Robert W. Smith

"I Hate You Don't Leave Me" is God's work in my life. This book has helped me to understand what Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is in a way I never understood before. I was feeling feelings and acting in ways I couldn't understand. My life is a constant roller coaster of depression, inner pain and wanting to revenge/retaliate against those people who I love the most and I perceive want to hurt me. I have been in therapy for over seven years. My therapist never told me that I was inflicted with this miserable condition. Now I am able to see myself in a very different light, and it enables me to work on issues I didn't realize I had. Unfortunately, people in the mental health field give Borderlines such a negative connotation that change and growth often times becomes difficult for those of us who are afflicted with this disease. Even though I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology, "I Hate You Don't Leave Me" explains things to me in ways that I am able to understand. I have ordered copies for many of my friends, so they can gain an understanding of those of us who are cursed with this disease. I can't thank the authors enough for writing this very helpful book.

Diagnosed as having bipolar disorder type 2 and having been exposed to Dr. Linehan's work as a patient in DBT, I found this workbook to be remarkably effective and an invaluable resource in helping me get a handle on my own symptomatology. It is sensitive, pragmatic, understandable and most importantly, LEARNABLE! The tools and excercises WORK, and have enabled me to gain something I've been missing all these years...hope!

According to Friedel, six million Americans suffer from the psychiatric disorder known as borderline personality disorder—and many of these people often go undiagnosed and live in the lonely fear that they simply lack willpower or self-confidence. Friedel, a distinguished clinical professor of psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University, steps in to explain this little-known and much-misunderstood disorder, and he offers not only information but hope—many people believe BPD isn’t treatable, but Friedel says that there are effective treatments available. BPD, like many other psychiatric disorders, results from chemical imbalances in the brain, Friedel says. The emotional instability, impulsive behavior and impaired reasoning that often characterize BPD can thus be controlled with therapy and medication, though Friedel also stresses the importance of the patient’s taking responsibility for following through on treatment. For readers who suspect that they or someone they love suffers from BPD, this guide is a good place to start learning how to find help.

Excellent book! After 50 years and a graduate education in psychology, I couldn't see the reality of my own (step) mother. Once I suspected, I ordered this book and couldn't put it down. My copy is full of underlining, side comments and sticky-notes. Chapters are easy to follow and include information, respect for one's own experience, and tools for making changes when you're ready.

The book helped me to deal with my sense of guilt and over-responsibility, especially now that my parent is terminally ill. There's a fabulous quote in the book: "I feel sad that my mom is suffering, but I also know that she is the only person that can do anything about it, and she chooses not to . . . I won't allow her to inflict her suffering on me anymore, either."

The book includes a realistic, not syrupy, discussion of forgiveness, as well as tools for "grief, acceptance, and overcoming guilt." This book contributed significantly to my ability to take my life back and conduct this difficult relationship on my own terms. Sort of a midlife rite-of-passage.

For years now, I have been told that I have Borderline Personality Disorder. I was never told what I could do to heal myself though. Thank God I found this book because not only is it informative but it gave me solutions, specific activities that I could do to realize where my problems came from and how to overcome them. I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder.

Get Me Out of Here is a brilliantly written book about Rachel Reiland's struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder. Reiland does a great job of verbally expressing the pain and anger that this disorder caused her, as well as helping to explain why she developed the disorder (her childhood experiences). Some may be shocked by the intensity of her anger and outbursts, but one must keep in mind that these outbursts are just a sign of her problems with BPD. She was lucky that she had an understanding husband and a very patient psychiatrist. A lot of patients with this disorder aren't as lucky as she and end up being dumped by either their family or their therapist or both.
--Janet Morris

Having suffered with this disorder for so many years I am always on the look out for new information and ideas. Borderline and Beyond, is filled with refreshingly simple ideas to help the Borderline ground him/herself during episodes. The book is set up in a way that readers can implement the ideas both during a crisis as well as on an everyday basis in our journey to healing. Paxton has writen words that touch at the very core of our lives, but doesnt just leave the reader saying "yeah thats how I feel", she gives follow-up work so we can learn to cope with those feelings and move towards healing. Paxton is quick to point out that the book is not to stand on its own but rather goes hand in hand with psycotherapy, a reminder for both the borderline and the therapist. This is a wonderful book.

Even though John G. Gunderson's book Borderline Personality Disorder is written about borderlines, and not to them, it offers an excellent look into the disorder for borderlines, acquaintances of borderlines, and people who work with borderlines. For borderlines, it provides a unique voyeuristic look into Gunderson's frank discussion of the borderline disorder, and it's hostages. Dr. Gunderson begins by naming, defining and subdividing the characteristic criteria and shows how they are displayed by the borderline patient. He offers case examples to support his statements. He details such effects as self destructiveness, aggression, anger, validation, splitting, transferences, psychotic regression, depression, devaluation, dissociation, hospitalization, suicide, pharmacotherapy, therapy and therapist attributes. He has one entire chapter devoted to the borderline name called The Term Borderline. Each chapter is summarized and an index avails the reader quick access to particular topics. At no time does the borderline reader need to fear feeling belittled or embarrassed reading this material. Dr. Gunderson describes the borderline patient with respect and understanding throughtout all the book's 204 pages.

Covers ALL aspects of the condition from etiology, new theories, treatment and pitfalls. Although technical in nature, treaters should have no problem in getting through the material and greatly enhancing their understanding of Borderline Disorders.

Patients with borderline personality disorders represent a great portion of the most difficult to treat clients in psychiatry. Seven therapists share their expertise and experience to determine how treatment can be best tailored to the diversity of the condition. Three cases are studied in detail, recording the psychotherapy processes and outcomes. Research methodology and conclusions support the case studies, focusing on supportive versus expressive psychotherapeutic strategies.
--Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book provides an invaluable resource for a person who is trying to understand a person with BPD,or get help for them. Linehan's method has undergone randomized clinical trials and demonstrated its worth. Nevertheless,it is quite common for therapists to insist they can treat BPD with other methods. Stick with Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT). The book will arm you well to deal with both therapists,and patient(or yourself if you are the patient.) Accept no substitutes.

Borderline Personality Disorder has levels of prevalence, social dysfunction, health care utilization, and chronicity that make its public health significance similar to that of other major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, yet it has not received comparable attention. The Courtship Dance of the Borderline is an important statement that will enhance public consciousness about a disorder that is universally recognized and widely discussed within mental health circles. Never before has Borderline Personality Disorder been so intimately explored and detailed from the perspective of a spouse. Now a psychiatrist recounts his relationship with a sufferer of the condition, and the complex issues that arise in the relationship.

Written in first-person by someone who truly knows Borderline Personality Disorder, this novel-that-reads-like-non-fiction is A MUST for those who wish to understand and help a loved one with this illness. The writer gives a portrait of several other patients, thus providing a poignant look at the shapes and intensities BPD can have.

I found this book to be an excellent compilation of key papers on the history and development of the concept of borderline disorder. The book is divided into sections with seminal papers from each decade. The preface of each section, written by the editor, is informative and entertaining, placing each paper in it's historical context and making for a fascinating story of an aspect of the history of psychoanalysis and psychiatry in America. Highly recommended

Having been diagnosed with BPD, I found this book helpful in many ways. It helped me to see what other's were seeing in my actions. It helped me know that I "wasn't crazy." It helped me to see how I could help those near me to help and understand me, and my illness. For other's with this diagnosis, I do want to add that some of the testimonies can hit a little too close to home.

I just finished reading Lost in the Mirror. I gained a tremendous amount of understanding of my own disorder and a lot of peace of mind. If you suffer from BPD, you may feel that the author had been looking over your shoulder during the writing process. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder.

The Narcissistic and Borderline Disorders: An Integrated Developmental Approach
by James F. Masterson M.D.

If you want to learn more about pathological narcissism, borderline conditions and other low-organization personalities - this book is for you. Essentially a textbook, it is a surprisingly interesting read (case studies intersdpersed). Yet, the inevitable professional jargon and the book's bias in favour of psychodynamic theories may make it somewhat less desirable as the first text one reads about narcissism.
--Sam Vaknin, author of 'Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited'.

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New Hope for People with Borderline Personality Disorder: Your Friendly, Authoritive Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions
by Neil R. Bockian, Nora Elizabeth Villagran

Prima’s NEW HOPE series offers cutting-edge treatments for people with Borderline Personality Disorder. Highlighting important new methods for battling the symptoms and side effects that often take control of a person’s life, New Hope for People with Borderline Personality Disorder gives readers information on up-to-date treatments and therapies for managing their illness. Also included is information on the possible causes, symptoms, and patterns of borderline personality disorder; advice on how to manage symptoms and side effects; the newest conventional, complementary, and natural therapies and treatments; and important lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the impact of the disorder. New Hope for People with Borderline Personality Disorder empowers readers to take control of their condition and take a more active role in their medical treatment.

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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy of Borderline Patients
by Otto F. Kernberg, et al

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Psychotherapy of the Quiet Borderline Patient: The As-If Personality Revisited
Vance R. Sherwood, Charles Cohen (Editors)

Frustration, anger, and manipulations are often evident when attempting to work with borderline clients. My empathy increased ten-fold as I read and applied the principles of this book. Highly recommended for all mental health professionals.

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Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality
by John F. Clarkin, Frank E. Yeomans, Otto F. Kernberg

"This admirable guide's many verbatim examples are organized into an expansion of the well-known and impressively effective Kernberg-style psychotherapy treatment system for borderline patients. If you treat borderline patients in psychotherapy, you need this guide for its high-power focus on the special problems of these patients."
--Lester Luborsky, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

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PTSD/Borderlines in Therapy : Finding the Balance
by Jerome Kroll

Critically examines the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adult borderline personality disorder, with a particular focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Taking into account the many ambiguities in the current understanding of the complex relationship between childhood abuse experiences, formation of self-destructive personality styles, and subsequent psychotherapy for these problems, Kroll (psychiatry, U. of Minnesota Medical School) presents a working model that is useful without straitjacketing the practitioner or foreclosing the opportunities for new perspectives.
--Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, OR

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Role of Sexual Abuse in Etiology of Borderline Personality Disorder
Mary C. Zanarini (Editor)

Many clinicians and patients are puzzled by the connection between trauma and bpd. This is a well-edited collection of scholarly, thoughtful, and balanced perspectives on these topics. This book is highly recommended for all readers interested in this painful area.

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Shorter Term Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorders
by John D. Preston

Most books addressing the treatment of borderline personality disorder recommend intensive treatment. Let's get real. People with this type of disorder suffer tremendously and lead chaotic lives. One manifestation of the chaos is unstable employment and marginal incomes. For 99% of borderline people, long term, intensive treatment is financially unrealistic. This book discusses practical approaches primarily drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and psychopharmacology that are reasonable alternatives in treating this very difficult group of clients. The author's use of the concept "shorter term" refers to weekly psychotherapy lasting from 3-12 months. This book is well written, clear, and practical.

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The Stop Walking on Eggshells Workbook: Practical Strategies for Living With Someone Who Has Borderline Personality Disorder
by Randi Kreger and James Paul Shirley

This book is an absolute life-saver when dealing with the BP in your life, and how you interact with them. I never realised how completely enraged my BP got me because it was all piling up into problems elsewhere, until doing some of the exercises in here. Now I know where my buttons are, and when my BP is trying to hit them, and different ways that I can deal with this without making the situation worse in the long run. This book is a must for anyone living with a BP, whatever the age.

Through the Looking Glass : Women and Borderline Personality Disorder
by Dana Becker

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between gender, the experience of psychological distress that we currently call borderline personality disorder, and the borderline diagnosis as a classification of psychiatric disorder. It offers a new emphasis on elements of female socialization as critical to the understanding of the development of symptoms currently labeled borderline, and should appeal to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals as well as graduate students in these disciplines. The book will also be valuable to those involved in the fields of women's studies, psychology of women, sociology, and the history of medicine.

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Treating Borderline States in Marriage : Dealing With Oppositionalism, Ruthless Aggression, and Severe Resistance
by Charles C. McCormack

X McCormack illuminates the techiques of a mature and seaoned psychotherapist in his beautifully written book. He demonstrates an intimate understanding of working with both defensively sophisticated and unsophisticated patients. His wonderful use of language, empathic understanding, and unique ability to "marinate in piss" is repeatedly demonstrated in emotionally charged and captivating vignettes that support the thesis of the book. This book is a must read for both seasoned and new practicioners.
--John Mahlmann, Ph.D.

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Treating Difficult Personality Disorders
Michael Rosenbluth (Editor)

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Understanding the Borderline Mother : Helping Her Children Transcend the Intense, Unpredictable, and Volatile Relationship
by Christine Ann, Ph.D.

As the author of "Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Back Your Life when Someone You Care About has BPD," I am so pleased that finally we have another book about the effects of BPD behavior on family members. This book is easy to read and packed with information that you need to know if you had a mother with BPD traits. I spoke with the author, and she agreed with me that these effects are not limited to children, so I would recommend the book to anyone in a relationship with a person with BPD.
--Randi Kriger

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Women and Borderline Personality Disorder : Symptoms and Stories
by Janet Wirth-Cauchon

At the beginning of the twentieth century, "hysteria" as a medical or psychiatric diagnosis was primarily applied to women. In fact, the term itself comes from the Greek, meaning "wandering womb." We have since learned that this diagnosis had evolved from certain assumptions about women's social roles and mental characteristics, and is no long in use. The modern equivalent of hysteria, however, may be borderline personality disorder, defined as "a pervasive pattern of instability of self-image, interpersonal relationships, and mood, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts." This diagnosis is applied to women so much more often that to men that feminists have begun to raise important questions about the social, cultural, and even the medical assumptions underlying this "illness." Women are said to be "unstable" when they may be trying to reconcile often contradictory and conflicting social expectations.

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