Jeff Grossman Borderline Personality Disorder Counseling for individuals who struggle with BPD. is an often misunderstood and chronic mental health disorder. To understand this mental illness, it's important to learn about both its signs and causes. This article will discuss the common signs and symptoms of BPD, as well as potential causes of the disorder.
Signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by extreme emotional instability, highly impulsive behavior, and disturbances in relationships with others. Individuals with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions, can be highly sensitive to criticism and rejection, and may engage in self-harm and/or suicidal behavior. Other common signs and symptoms are:
1. Unstable Relationships - Individuals with BPD often struggle to maintain stable, healthy relationships. They may exhibit overly clingy behavior and may be intensely dependent on certain friends; or, conversely, they may react with extreme anger and push people away.
2. Unstable Self-Image - People with BPD often experience a distorted self-image. They may struggle with identity crisis, constantly change the way they look and express themselves, and may suffer from low self-esteem.
3. Impulsive Behavior - Individuals with BPD often engage in dangerously impulsive behavior as a way to cope with intense emotions. This behavior can include drug or alcohol abuse, reckless driving, reckless spending, or dangerous sexual activity.
4. Extreme Mood Swings - People with BPD frequently have intense emotional swings. These emotional outbursts usually last only a few minutes, but they may quickly go from happiness to rage, sadness, or anxiety and back again.
5. Feelings of Emptiness - People with BPD may also experience chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom that are difficult to explain. They may feel as if they are living a hollow life and nothing they do matters or has meaning.
Potential Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
The causes of BPD are still not completely understood, although there is evidence to suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Some potential causes include:
1. Genetics – Psychiatric researchers believe that genetics may be involved in the development of BPD, in some cases. This means that individuals may be predisposed to developing the disorder due to their genetic background.
2. Trauma – Traumatic experiences during childhood may be a factor in the development of BPD. In particular, individuals who were abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated may be at increased risk for developing the disorder.
3. Brain Chemistry – Research has shown that individuals with BPD may have different brain chemistry than those without the disorder. In particular, their brains may produce too little of certain important neurotransmitters, which can lead to some of the symptoms of the disorder.
4. Third Variable – There may be other unidentified factors that increase the risk for developing BPD. For instance, the presence of certain mental illnesses or mental health conditions might contribute to the development of the disorder.
Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder
Since the symptoms of BPD can be disruptive and result in harmful behavior, it is important that individuals with this disorder receive effective treatment. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medications that help to regulate mood and emotions. In particular, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven to be an effective method for helping individuals cope with their emotions, manage their relationships, and set healthy limits and boundaries. Psychotherapy, including DBT, is the primary form of treatment for BPD, and medications may be used in addition to this form of treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, instability in relationships, and impulsive behavior. While the exact cause of BPD is not known, there is evidence to suggest that genetics, environmental trauma, and brain chemistry may all play a part. Treatment for BPD typically involves psychotherapy, and in some cases, medications may be used as well. With proper treatment and support, people with BPD can begin to manage their moods and emotions and lead full and meaningful lives.