Rorschach Responses in Borderline Personality Disorder with Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

Summary: The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze differences in Rorschach responses between two groups of alcoholics, one of which was diagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the other Mixed Personality Disorder (MXPD). Forty-three male alcohol dependent inpatients participated in the study. The subjects were diagnosed by two independent clinical psychologists and divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 19 alcoholic patients also diagnosed BPD(BPD19); Group 2 consisted of 14 alcoholic patients also diagnosed MXPD; Group 3 comprised 10 alcoholic patients also diagnosed BPD as well as a secondary personality disorder diagnosis in addition (BPD10). The Rorschach was administered once 14 to 20 days after admission and scored according to Exner's Comprehensive System. BPD patients produced more responses than the MXPD group and revealed more interest in other people than MXPD. However, their interest in other people was marked by ambivalence, feelings of aggression, and withdrawal or isolation from social interaction. Both BPD groups revealed a significantly greater tendency to distorted perception of reality than the MXPD group and a greater tendency to pathological thinking and confusion.