The Courtship Dance of the Borderline

by Anthony Walker

A unique reflection by a psychiatrist on his former marriage to a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder, and the disturbing effects on the relationship. Borderline Personality Disorder has levels of prevalence, social dysfunction, health care utilization, and chronicity that make its public health significance similar to that of other major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, yet it has not received comparable attention. The Courtship Dance of the Borderline is an important statement that will enhance public consciousness about a disorder that is universally recognized and widely discussed within mental health circles. Never before has Borderline Personality Disorder been so intimately explored and detailed from the perspective of a spouse. Now a psychiatrist recounts his relationship with a sufferer of the condition, and the complex issues that arise in the relationship.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health

139 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Pieter De Wijngaert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over de valkuilen van een redderscomplex. Leest vlot, would recommend

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there was more reflection on the experience both during and afterwards; mostly it was a retelling of events. Overall lacks depth and reflection, but most notably, this memoir lacks the ability to provide a better understanding of BPD and those who love others with this infliction. I think the book has the potential to support stigmatization and a lot of false narratives (that hold some truth behind them), rather than provide insight into the complex nature of relationships, whether romantic or not, between individuals with BPD and their people. I felt the author painted his ex wife as somebody completely helpless and unwilling to feel better within. Too much focus on what occurred and not very much on the why and how’s. All that being said, the small glimpses into the author’s emotions and struggles are validating, though quite shallow.

[sennaj046 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik denk dat ik geen 5 sterren kan geven omdat dit boek me te veel laat denken aan mijn eigen moeder. Mijn moeder heeft (waarschijnlijk) ook een borderline persoonlijkheidsstoornis. Ik ben door heel veel dingen heen gegaan en kan het door dit boek beter plaatsen, ook de dingen waar ik tegenaan loop. Super mooi geschreven maar wel heel heftig. Ik vind eigenlijk dat iedereen dit boek een keer gelezen moet hebben, om te zien hoe dit ziekte beeld in elkaar zit.

[Sascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Het boek is gemakkelijk te lezen door de schrijfstijl. Wel zijn er meerdere scenes die erg heftig kunnen zijn. Ik vond het een goede manier om kennis te maken met wat een borderline stoornis inhoud. Ook erg fijn vind ik de theorie achterin het boek die je informatie geeft over de stoornis.

[Chrisje Alkina · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story gives a clear view of how living with someone with BPD can be.

[Gjalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huiveringwekkend, nu snap ik beter waarom ik een paar keer hartkloppingen kreeg en boos werd.