Print: All or Nothing: Dichotomous Thinking

All or Nothing: Dichotomous Thinking

Written by: Martin Winkler

First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 31 Jul 2008.

Abstract:
Dichothomous thinking is a tendency to only see extremes such as good or bad, black or white, all or nothing. It is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder.

Question:

How do you describe dichotomous thinking of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Answer:

Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) tend to perceive and evaluate every thought or situation as

black or white
good or bad
all or nothing

This dysfunctional extreme thinking can be one source of extreme actions like leaving a partnership, quitting a job or other impulsive actions. This can be the main source of extreme reactions, mood swings and interpersonal problems.

To change this dichotomous thinking a psychotherapist will point out examples of daily life to the patient and try to discuss different point of views in terms of a continuum. So the client learns a more realistic perception of his environment and personal relationships.

More Information about Borderline and Related Disorders

Rapidly changing emotions Idealization or total rejection Self-harm Suicidal tendencies Learning to recognize and differentiate between feelings False ideas How to handle anger False and real hunger Self-hate Sexual desire or lack of it Phobia - unreasonable fright Narcissism - self-centering Shy of talking to people How does the human brain work To Be jealous of your husband's partner Articles about anxiety Articles about mood swings Articles about personality disorders Articles about life and relations

Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/border-dichotomous.htm



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