Kristen H. Gilbert is a well known serial killer, that was an RN at a VA hospital in Massachusetts where she was convicted of four murders and two attempted murders. Kristen was born on November 13, 1967, and she reportedly had a normal childhood, however her later years were more troublesome, as she would have violent episodes and suicidal tendencies. In 1988 she achieved her nursing degree, and that same year got married. After she was wedded she decided to get a job at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Her co-workers repeatedly said that Kristen seemed to be, “competent and committed to her job. She was the type of co-worker who would organize gift exchanges during the holidays.” After a couple years in 1990, she had her first child, however, after returning from maternity leave, weird events began to occur. During her shift patients began dying unexpectedly. During each event, she was reported to be calm and credible. As time went on her co-workers began to be suspicious of her, as more deaths were continuing during her shifts, and a drug known to possibly cause heart failure was missing. Following these suspicions in 1995 and 1996 four patients under Gilbert’s care died of cardiac arrest. Her co-workers voiced their opinions about the deaths, and a large investigation occurred. After two trials, she was convicted of first-degree murder. While in prison she received physiatric care, and they diagnosed her with Borderline Personality Disorder. As of today, she remains in federal prison in Texas.
Borderline Personality Disorder or “BPD” is a mental disorder usually suspected with ongoing mood swings that vary, fluctuating self-image, and radical behavior People who have Borderline Personality Disorder tend to have problems within relationships and have extreme mood episodes. People who suffer from borderline personality disorder also tend to have excessive anger, depression, and anxiety episodes that can possibly last for large periods of time. The disorder in the United States is fairly common, as more than three million people a year become diagnosed. The disorder is also common among all ages, however, it is more common within the age ranges of 14-60.
Signs and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder are broad but, identifiable. Major signs and symptoms include a long pattern of feelings and activities that are not correct in a situation but are considered to be accepted by the person in question. For example, a witness says the patient lashed out at a boss at work every day for weeks and called them vulgar names. When the patients would be asked about the event they would likely respond saying, something along the lines that they were defending themselves or they do not see a problem cursing their boss every day. The disorder is highly recognizable by this and, inappropriate emotional reactions, highly impulsive behaviors, and a long history of problematic and often violent relationships. More symptoms include having an unstable self-image, feelings of loneliness, boredom, emptiness, difficulty having empathy or feeling for someone, extreme fear of rejection, self-destructive behaviors, hostility, and even unstable plans and goals. It must be noted that everyone can live through one or two of these events or behaviors in his or her lifetime, but a person diagnosed with BPD will experience most or even all of the characteristics listed. The disease process or the process in which a certain disorder can progress for Borderline Personality Disorder is as follows. Usually, BPD can begin because of genetics, if your mother or father has it there are higher changes. You can also get the disorder from brain abnormalities. Other causes are currently unknown but are studied consistently. The disorder can progress in childhood, but it is more common to see real sign and symptoms in teenage years and throughout early adulthood. The main sign that the disease is worsening, is when the possible candidates begin to lose focus and drive in work environments, often causing harm or having episodes. From these signs, symptoms will likely worsen without proper treatment. Without treatment people with Borderline Personality Disorder tend to develop violent and, or suicidal thoughts and actions.
A diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder is usually configured after a series of interviews with health professionals, usually a general practitioner or a psychiatrist, and psychological tests that rule you to fall under a category of BPD. The prognosis is optimistic, as the treatment and substantially improve the quality of life for someone suffering from BPD. As long as the person is constantly in therapy and is practicing good self-care, they can generally live a normal life with little to no harm to others or themselves. However, if left untreated it can lead to violence and even suicide.
A typical treatment for someone who has BPD consists of Mentalization-based therapy (MBT), which is a type of therapy that focuses on the patient identifying what others may be feeling which can help the patient understand others, Transference-focused therapy (TFP), which is the practice of talking to a therapist and understanding emotions and feelings. Another popular treatment is medication. Medications prescribed range from antidepressants, like “Prozac” and “Zoloft” to anti-anxiety medications like, benzodiazepines, which is a type of anti-anxiety medication that does not interfere with extreme manic and episodes associated with BPD, although they are not proven to be effective. As mentioned previously, good self-care such as exercise, getting enough sleep, taking prescribed medications, and managing stress well, can improve a person's overall disposition and mood when suffering from BPD.
The functions and the systems affected are broader than you may think. Borderline Personality Disorder affects not only the brain and the nervous system but the heart and the cardiovascular system, the lungs and respiratory system. It affects these two systems for the same reason. The anxiety and panic associated with BPD, are what effects these systems, as when anxiety or panic sets in, your heart will race and breathing will increase. With this increased breathing and heart rate, it can cause more panic for the person and create a manic episode, that is common within BPD.
To conclude, Borderline Personality Disorder is a disorder in which the brain, in an abnormality or developed form, creates uncontrollable behavior and mood swings, that can be destructive in relationships and create violent behavior. BPD is a serious disorder that if not treated can lead to destructive behavior and suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, the treatment and prognosis are positive if followed correctly. With the proper treatment and care a person with Borderline Personality Disorder can live a normal life with little repercussions.