Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders in the Bible

Abstract

Introduction: A pervasive and inflexible personality characterizes the borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Both belong to cluster B of the personality classification, and the main feature is emotional dysregulation and a high degree of impulsivity. Objective: To present, outline, and discuss the traits of borderline and antisocial personalities in the biblical characters. Methods: An extensive search was conducted in the Old and New Testaments to find characters who committed violent acts against themselves and/or against other characters. Right after, we sought traits of borderline and antisocial personality disorders and outlined the psychological profile of the characters. Results: Six characters committed suicide in the Old Testament. The first was Abimelech, whose history is told in the book of Judges, followed by Samson’s. The next was Saul, as presented in 1 Samuel. Ahithophel's suicide is reported in 2 Samuel, while Zimri is reported in the 1 Kings, and Judas, the most famous suicide of the New Testament. The following characters presented with a high degree of impulsivity and homicidal acts: Cain and Potiphar’s wife, reported in the book of Genesis, and Absalom and Amnon, described in 2 Samuel (Amnon was a rapist and killer). The last murderer woman described was Jezebel, presented in the book of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Conclusion: The bible is a very rich and underexplored source of borderline and antisocial personality disorder descriptions.

Persistent idiopathic facial pain associated with borderline personality disorder: a case report

“…Martins HAL, Martins BBM, Santos CC, Pontes J, Oliveira DA, Valença MM Persistent idiopathic facial pain associated with borderline personality disorder: a case report Know about emotional dysregulation is crucial to understand BPD. 8 The patient described in this study showed severe emotional instability, crises of unmotivated anger, and binge eating. Many patients with BPD manifest emotional dysregulation by alcohol and drug abuse, leading to substance dependence.…”

“…Non-lethal attempt methods sometimes follow suicidal ideation (e.g., excessive medication-taking at once) or violent methods, such as hanging, jumping from high places, throwing themselves in front of automobiles at high speed, and self-harm with knives or firearms. [6][7][8] Studies observed a 30% prevalence rate of BPD among patients with chronic pain. Pain scores are higher in patients with chronic pain and BPD than those patients without BPD.…”

Is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder a precursor for borderline personality disorder?

“…5,6 Borderline disorder is often diagnosed in late adolescence or young adulthood, and symptoms result from emotional dysregulation, such as irritability, frequent mood swings, impulsivity, anger outbursts, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. 7,8 Therefore, DMDD and borderline symptoms overlap, as demonstrated in Figure 1. Considering DMDD diagnosis was described eight years ago in the DSM-5 and symptoms are developed during childhood, we do not have sufficiently follow-up studies to understand the personality of these patients in adulthood.…”