Borderline personality disorder

Yanisa Lekprasert (Atom)

5861305

Advanced Biology
Mahidol University International Demonstration School
Wednesday, December 7th 2016 13.10 - 14:10
Lecture Intructure - Mr.Andrew Filipczak

Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health that is caused by
both genetics and environment. The genes that are affected are DRD4 and
DAT genes. It impacts the way patients think and feel about themselves
and others. It influences the way they manage their lives which includes a
pattern of unstable intense relationships, distorted self-image, extreme
emotions and impulsiveness. They have an intense fear of abandonment or
instability, and they might have difficulty tolerating being alone. Also, they
would constantly have mood swings and impulsiveness. People who are
raised in an abusive environment would have more chance of developing
the disorder. Also, there would be a higher risk of having BPD for people
who have close relatives with the disorder. People with BPD would have
different structures of brain, nerve system, and genetics from the people
who dont have it. The treatment that is usually provided for them are
individual talk therapy, medicines can sometimes help but they are not the
main therapy. In some cases, they can improve mood swings and treat
depression or other disorders that may occur with BPD. Another therapy is
psychotherapy which are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical
behavior therapy (DBT), and schema-focused therapy.

Introduction
This experiment proves the idea of not only genetics that causes Borderline
personality disorder but also other factors, environment. The causes of this
disorder goes beyond genetics which is epigenetics. The experiment is
proved by handing out surveys about the environment students live in and
their family history disorder. Check up the changes of the their brains,
nerve systems, and genetics (DRD4 and DAT genes) every 6 months for 5
years.

Objective
To study about epigenetics role in causing Borderline personality disorder
by observing twins who live in a different kind of environment.
1

Hypothesis
The abusive environment impacts the expression of the Borderline
personality disorder.

Prediction
If anyone lives in a stressful environment, then that person would develop a
greater chance of having BPD.

Experiment
Make a survey in a high school for 5 students anonymously about how it is
like in the environment they live at home and their family history disorder.
Let all the students that did the survey check up their health before the
follow up process starts. Follow them for 5 years by keeping up with the
change every 6 months. Every 6 months, they would have to come to the
hospital to check the changes in their genes, nerve systems, their brains,
also do the same survey. The results in every 6 months must be recorded
by the hospital. At the end of the experiment, after 5 years, gather all the
results every time they come to check up. Compare all the results and
make a conclusion if not only genetics that can affect someone to have a
borderline disorder but also epigenetic which is environment that affects the
genes. We will take cell samples and quantity the DNA methylation of the
DRD4 and DAT genes.

Data table
*These tables will be used for each individual
Check up #1

Check up #2

Check up #3

Check up #4

Check up #5

Nerve
Brain

Gene (DRD4)
Gene (DAT)
Check up #6

Check up #7

Check up #8

Check up #9

Check up #10

Nerve
Brain
Gene (DRD4)
Gene (DAT)

Implications
Health centers and hospitals should have a campaign about getting
treatments and therapies for borderline disorder. Some people that have
the disorder are too afraid to come seeing psychiatrists. The idea of coming
to see psychiatrists should be introduced to everyone more that its also the
same as going to see other kind of doctors when they have a cold or get a
flu. It doesnt mean that theyre crazy that they need to get a therapy. Also,
other than curing process after they had the symptoms, preventing the
disorder should be provided at health centers and hospitals. Annual health
check up should include checking up brain and nerve system not only the
heart or lungs etc. That way, if they start to have abnormalities in their brain
or nerve system, they will know it earlier and it would be easier to cure.

References
Borderline personality disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personalitydisorder/basics/risk-factors/con-20023204

Borderline personality disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved

December 05, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000935.htm
Causes. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from
http://www.bpddemystified.com/what-is-bpd/causes/
K. (2015, June 21). Its All In Your Head: Borderline Personality Disorder and the Brain.
Retrieved December 05, 2016, from https://medium.com/@KevinRedmayne/its-allin-your-head-borderline-personality-disorder-and-the-brainc14b66eb0966#.126pgi3fw
H. (n.d.). Is Borderline Personality Disorder Genetic? Retrieved December 05, 2016,
from https://www.verywell.com/genetic-causes-of-borderline-personality-disorder425157