Borderline Personality Disorder: Which option best describes the overall pattern of symptoms?

• A. Frequent crises
• B. Mood swings
• C. Fear of abandonment
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Borderline personality disorder presents with an overall pattern of instability across emotions, relationships, and behavior. This often includes frequent crises due to impulsive or self-damaging actions and intense relationship turmoil, which fits the idea of recurring urgent or volatile situations. Mood swings reflect affective instability, with emotions that swing rapidly and intensely. Fear of abandonment is a central feature, driving efforts to avoid real or imagined rejection. Because these elements commonly occur together, the option that includes all of them best describes the overall pattern.