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Axis I vs Axis II -- a false dichotomy

Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on April 27, 2009, at 18:17:03

In reply to Re: axis two features, posted by alexandra_k on April 27, 2009, at 14:48:30

There is often a false dichotomy in thinking about Axis I and Axis II diagnoses--the thinking being that Axis I is biochemical in origin (sometimes circumstantial)and Axis II is not. But, for example, exposure to trauma can create biochemical changes in a susceptible person that leads to borderline personality disorder.

Another, related point is that Axis II traits are, as I said before, maladaptive ways in which the person has learned to cope in the world. That is NOT the person's fault. It is a mixture of environment and genetic susceptibilities.

I abhor any notion that these ways of relating to the world are intractable. I know what the literature says, but I have seen over and over again that changes in circumstance (yes, sometimes personality disorders or their traits are exacerbated by circumstance) and hard work in a therapeutic relationship can make a difference.


> I guess we tend to have a view of personality as being, well, personal or about the person. Something intrinsic and invariant that doesn't alter without, well, altering who you are as a person. The psychologists notion of a 'personality disorder' or of 'personality traits' is a little different. It isn't supposed to be personal so much as a description of behaviors. There is much controversy over how invariant they are or how much these characteristics of behavior can be altered over time and / or as a function of therapy.
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poster:Amelia_in_StPaul thread:893029
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090421/msgs/893122.html