Using Biopsychosocial Model in Nursing: A Borderline Personality Case

This case study explores the application of the biopsychosocial model in providing nursing care for Matthew, a 30-year-old man diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It examines the interplay of biological factors, such as a history of alcohol use disorder and potential genetic predispositions, psychological factors, including past trauma like childhood sexual abuse and self-harm, and social factors, such as the impact of traumatic life events on relationships and mental wellbeing. The nursing interventions proposed include patient education, pharmacological interventions (mood stabilizers, SSRIs, antipsychotics), and therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy to help Matthew manage his emotions, develop distress tolerance, and foster mindfulness. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing Matthew's past trauma and fostering a positive outlook to improve his mental wellbeing. Desklib offers a range of study tools and solved assignments for students.

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The biopsychosocial model takes into account the patient as a whole, in that, the mental illness is
a result of various factors. It is the interplay of the biological factors, psychological factors and
the social factors that surrounds the individual (Sarafino and Smith 2014.) Nurses and other
medical workers nowadays prefer approaching medical conditions using this model since it
allows for a total evaluation of the patient, comprehensive assessment and contribute towards
achieving a more individualized care. It allows the recognition of each patient regardless of the
condition as unique from the other. Mathew, a 30-year-old man with borderline personality
disorder will be provided nursing care using this model as discussed below. It is a mental illness
that is characterized by pattern of varying moods, behavior and self-image (Leichsenring et.al
2011, pp. 74-84).
Biological factors
Mathew has previously been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. There has been a number of
studies that have proven that genetic factors are associated with borderline personality disorder
(Chanen, and Kaess 2012, pp.45-53). Impulse aggression has also been found to run in families
belonging to people who have been diagnosed with this disorder. The biological influence on
behavior can also been seen in the temperament phenomena. The nurse must therefore look into
such factors and let Matthew beware of them. These will be in form of patient education. Some
drugs such as mood stabilizers, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotics can be used to
alleviate the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Topiramate and lamotrigine, which are
anticonvulsants are also helpful in treating seizures or migraine.
Psychological factors

Borderline personality disorder is also associated with various psychological factors. These
include psychodynamic experiences, childhood experiences and even psychological traumas.
The nursing management of Matthew should therefore look keenly on his psychological aspect.
He was admitted to the acute unit due to self- harm. He also admitted to have been a victim of
sexual abuse as a child. This are some of the factors which may have affected Matthew
psychologically and predisposing him to his medical condition. The nurse therefore should apply
therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (Linehan 2014) and even psychotherapy so as to
help him manage emotions better, develop tolerance to distress and be able to be mindful and
aware of the situations and emotions that he is undergoing.
Social factors
These are factors such as, employment, relationships, education, religion and culture. Most
people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder usually states having undergone traumatic
life events like abuse or abandonment (Van der Kolk 2017, pp.401-408). This greatly affects
their mental wellbeing. Matthew, for example, admitted that he was abused sexually during his
childhood. This makes a person to even develop poor relationship with people and even worse,
family members. Its usually traumatic and in the end the mental wellbeing is affected. The nurse
therefore has a role to play by ensuring that Matthew get to understand that it was not his fault
that such happen and should make him start living a positive life.

References
Chanen, A.M. and Kaess, M., 2012. Developmental pathways to borderline personality
disorder. Current psychiatry reports, 14(1), pp.45-53.
Leichsenring, F., Leibing, E., Kruse, J., New, A.S. and Leweke, F., 2011. Borderline personality
disorder. The Lancet, 377(9759), pp.74-84.
Linehan, M.M., 2018. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder.
Guilford Publications.
Sarafino, E.P. and Smith, T.W., 2014. Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions. John
Wiley & Sons.
Van der Kolk, B.A., 2017. Developmental Trauma Disorder: Toward a rational diagnosis for
children with complex trauma histories. Psychiatric annals, 35(5), pp.401-408.