Which condition is characterized by emotional instability and intense interpersonal relationships?

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of emotional instability, difficulties in maintaining stable interpersonal relationships, and a fluctuating self-image. Individuals with this disorder often experience intense emotions and may find their moods change rapidly, leading to turmoil in their relationships. They may have strong reactions to perceived abandonment or criticism, contributing to unstable relationships that fluctuate between idealization and devaluation. This instability can manifest in several ways, such as impulsive behaviors or emotional outbursts, highlighting the complexity of their emotional responses.

The other conditions do not primarily emphasize emotional instability in the same way. For example, while depression can lead to affective disturbances, it is more about low mood and loss of interest rather than the intense relational conflicts seen in borderline personality disorder. General anxiety disorder focuses on excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, lacking the relationship dynamics central to borderline personality disorder. Meanwhile, obsessive-compulsive disorder revolves around unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, rather than the emotional and interpersonal challenges that define borderline personality disorder.