abstract
This case report describes a 24-year-old Malay female patient with a history of prolapsed intervertebral disc (PID) who presented with persistent low mood, self-harm ideation, and other depressive symptoms. These symptoms were triggered by a complicated and unstable relationship with her partner, who exhibited controlling and critical behavior. Following the termination of the relationship, the patient experienced profound emotional distress, leading to symptoms such as insomnia, appetite loss, panic attacks, self-harm, and auditory hallucinations. The patient also had a history of suicidal thoughts and postpartum depression. The mental status examination revealed no perceptual disturbances or cognitive impairments. A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features associated with an underlying Borderline Personality Disorder was made. Biological investigations showed no abnormalities, and treatment included medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepine, and antipsychotic) and supportive psychotherapy. The prognosis is variable but can be improved with prompt and thorough medical intervention, regular monitoring, and a strong support system.
references
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6. Al-Quran, Surah Al-Isra (17:33)
2. Ellison WD, Rosenstein LK, Morgan TA, Zimmerman M. Community and Clinical Epidemiology of Borderline Personality Disorder. Psychiatry Clinic North Am. 2018 Dec;41(4):561-573.
3. Neuringer, C. (1961). Dichotomous evaluations in suicidal individuals. Journal of Consulting Psychology,25, 445–449. Napolitano, L. A., & McKay, D. (2007). Dichotomous thinking in borderline personality disorder. Cognitive Therapy and Research,31, 717–726.
4. Novalis, Rojcewicz, Peele. Clinical Manual of Supportive Psychotherapy, First Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.;1993:164.11
5. Linehan MM. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press; 1993. Salsman, N., & Linehan, M. M. (2006). Dialectical-behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder. Primary Psychiatry, 13(5), 51.
6. Al-Quran, Surah Al-Isra (17:33)