DSM-III-R lists eight criteria for BPD, five of which must be present for diagnosis. At first glance, these criteria may seem unconnected or only peripherally related. When explored in-depth, however, the eight symptoms are seen to be intricately connected, interacting with each other so that one symptom sparks the rise of another like the pistons of a combustion engine. The eight criteria may be summarized as follows: (1) Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships. (2) Impulsiveness in potentially self-damaging behaviors, such as substance abuse, sex, shoplifting, reckless driving, bìnge eating. (3) Severe mood shifts. (4) Frequent and inappropriate displays of anger. (5) Recurrent suicidal threats or gestures, or self-mutilating behaviors. (6) Lack of clear sense of identity. (7) Chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom. (8) Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.

— I Hate You—Don't Leave Me by Jerold J. Kreisman, Hal Strauss (Page 7 - 8)