Amy's Story (04:21)

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Amy Allison's parents suffered alcoholism and depression. She started drinking in her teens, married twice, got her MBA, battled anorexia, and suffered a head injury in a car accident that triggered depression.

Addressing Alcoholism (04:45)

Despite being a successful saleswoman, Amy used alcohol to overcome self-esteem issues and elected sterilization at age 23. Her third husband became sober and her boss suggested treatment; she has maintained sobriety. She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder after threatening suicide.

Myth or Medicine (01:49)

Dr. George Nasra explains that borderline personality disorder is not always caused by bad parenting and childhood abuse. Genetic predisposition also plays a role.

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (05:41)

Individuals have impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, mood instability, and a self-destructive lifestyle. Suicide is a risk. Amy is sensitive to social stigma attached to the diagnosis and likely drank for self-medication.

Treating Borderline Personality Disorder (05:25)

Dialectic behavioral therapy targets emotional instability and helps people learn to trust in relationships. Medications can treat depression accompanying the condition. Amy discusses how she manages "bad" days when something triggers her old behaviors. Primary care physicians rarely detect the condition.

Second Opinion 5 (02:07)

Dr. George Nasra explains five things that people with borderline personality disorder struggle with.

Credits: Borderline Personality Disorder—Second Opinion (00:29)

Credits: Borderline Personality Disorder—Second Opinion