Millon's Four BPD Subtypes
G. Pacana
2/28/20243 min read


"Personalities are like impressionistic paintings. At a distance, each person is 'all of a piece'; up close, each is a bewildering complexity of moods, cognitions, and motives." Theodore Millon
Dr. Theodore Millon was a 20th-century American psychologist who devised a set of widely acknowledged subtypes for each of the DSM personality disorders. Millon was a highly respected authority on personality disorders, and his theories on borderline personality disorder have given mental health professionals additional investigative tools to aid in their treatment of patients with a BPD diagnosis.
Millon wrote numerous popular works on personality, developed several diagnostic tools, and contributed to the development of earlier versions of the DSM of mental disorders.
Millon identified four subtypes of borderline personality disorder:
Discouraged borderline: Includes avoidant, depressive or dependent behaviors
Impulsive borderline: Includes antisocial or approval-seeking behaviors
Petulant borderline: Includes passive-aggressive behaviors
Self-destructive borderline: Includes depressive or self-destructive behaviors
The Discouraged Borderline
Individuals displaying discouraged borderline symptoms often seem needy, hopeless, and dependent, but they secretly harbor tremendous anger towards others and are easily disappointed. Those who fit the discouraged borderline profile have a strong desire for acceptance and approval, but they are plagued by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, which makes them highly prone to depression. They come across as submissive, vulnerable, and powerless. Individuals with discouraged borderline traits are more likely than other BPD sufferers to resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism, and if they don’t get the help they need, they may become suicidal. Discouraged borderlines share traits with individuals with AvPD avoidant personality disorder and DPD-dependent personality disorder.
The Impulsive Borderline
People with impulsive borderline symptoms tend to be energetic, charismatic, and exciting to be around. But they are easily bored and are quick to become angry when others let them down. As a result, they are frequently involved in conflicts. Impulsive borderlines enjoy being noticed, but they also have strong rebellious instincts, causing them to control the direction of their social interactions. Their need to be the center of attention and avoid boredom can lead them to practice a wide range of risky behaviors. Individuals with impulsive borderline tendencies often act recklessly without considering the consequences, and they frequently suffer injuries or fall victim to addiction because of their impulsive actions. Impulsive borderlines share traits with individuals with HPD histrionic personality disorder and ASPD antisocial personality disorder.
The Petulant Borderline
Individuals displaying petulant borderline characteristics are unpredictable and difficult to please. They are often irritable and prone to outbursts of anger and frustration. They are impatient with others and quick to become cynical when they do not get what they want. Because of their tendency to be defiant, people with petulant borderline traits are often stubborn, defensive, and unwilling to admit when they are wrong. Their relationships can be loving, but they are also complex. They often engage in passive-aggressive actions as a way of lashing out at people who disappoint them.
The Self-Destructive Borderline
People displaying self-destructive borderline symptoms are their own worst enemies. They are prone to all types of dangerous behavior, and they tend to sabotage themselves when it appears they might be making progress in life. Those who suffer from a self-destructive borderline scheme lack a stable sense of self and are therefore very dependent on others. Individuals with self-destructive borderline symptoms are frequently moody, bitter, and filled with anger. Much of their difficulty is caused by unconscious and unacknowledged desires, which can interfere with their ability to benefit from therapy.
In Millon’s system, there is no presumption that an individual will only experience the symptoms of one subtype. Borderline personality disorder is a complex disorder with many layers and facets to it. There are many different subtypes, and no two cases are the same. In addition, BPD often overlaps with other disorders like substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression, to name just a few. This can make diagnosis difficult.
Those suffering from borderline personality disorder, regardless of the subtype, may have an unstable self-image and engage in self-destructive behavior. Treatment options are available for everyone with BPD, and research indicates that results are generally positive. With the right tools, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms successfully, and many will eventually become symptom-free.
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