Borderline Personality Disorder in Family Court

Understanding the Psychopathological Behavior and Impact of This Serious and Complex Mental Illness

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness. However, it is largely misunderstood as a minor mental problem due to its complexity and confusing terminology. Those with BPD exhibit stability within their instability, with symptoms often surfacing sporadically but more intensely under stress. BPD usually coexists with other comorbidities such as narcissistic, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders, compounding its impact on those closest to them, including spouses and children.

BPD individuals' cognitive impairment regarding reality, hinders them from recognizing their harmful behaviors, resulting in blame-shifting and a genuine belief in their actions' righteousness.

In marriage, gaslighting and unfounded accusations of infidelity are prevalent. Upon divorce, parental alienation and false claims of domestic violence, child abuse, and harassment often emerge. Despite being the abuser, there is often extreme manipulation to portray themselves as victims. Exploiting children for financial gain, especially regarding child support, is widespread. These dynamics result in significant emotional and financial damage in divorces involving BPD.

The belief in the possibility of co-parenting with a BPD parent highlights a fundamental misunderstanding within the family court system. A mental illness cannot correct itself, just as an amputated leg cannot regenerate.

A science-based medical understanding is crucial, and raising awareness is important for addressing this significant public health issue.

Clinical details.

How woefully inefficient the court system is to address these issues in custody cases needs to change.