Borderline Personality Disorders
A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is made when a person exhibits a persistent pattern of unstable or chaotic behaviors and relationships, a very intense fear of abandonment, and a distorted self-image. If you think someone you know might have BPD, it’s important to be supportive and understanding while also seeking professional help.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that causes significant instability in moods, behaviors, self-image, and relationships. People with BPD often have a strong fear of abandonment and feel alone and empty. They may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors, such as spending sprees, reckless driving, unprotected sex, and substance abuse. They may also have chronic feelings of emptiness, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
People with BPD often have very intense and conflict-laden relationships. They may idealize someone one minute and then criticize and blame them the next. Their feelings and perceptions can change rapidly and they may have a hard time keeping close relationships because of their fear of abandonment and need for control.
What causes borderline personality disorder?
The cause of BPD is unknown, but it’s thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with BPD often have a history of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, and may have difficulty regulating their emotions because of problems with the structure and function of the brain.
How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?
Borderline personality disorder is diagnosed by a mental health professional after a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation may include a physical exam, lab tests, a psychological evaluation, and a review of the person’s symptoms and behaviors.
What are the treatments for borderline personality disorder?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for BPD, but there are effective treatments available. The most common and evidence-based treatments are psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people with BPD learn to manage their emotions, relate to others in a healthy way, and make better decisions. Common types of psychotherapy used to treat BPD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Medication can also be used to treat the symptoms of BPD. Commonly prescribed medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers.
How can I help someone with borderline personality disorder?
If you think someone you know has BPD, there are a few things you can do to help.
The most important thing you can do is provide support and understanding. Let the person know that you care about them and want to help.
Encourage the person to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose BPD and create a treatment plan.
Help the person find a support group. There are many well-established BPD support groups available, both in person and online.
Make sure the person has a doctor or mental health professional they trust. BPD can be a very difficult condition to manage, and it’s important to have someone to talk to who understands the condition.
What should I do if I think I have borderline personality disorder?
If you think you might have BPD, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can evaluate you and give you a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with BPD, there are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthier, happier life.
The term “borderline personality” generally refers to a diagnosis given to people who experience a chronic pattern of instability in some or all areas of their lives. The instability may manifest as problems with self-image, mood, affect, behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and/or work performance. This instability often leads to impulsive and/or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-injury, and suicidality.
There are several different types of borderline personality disorder (BPD), each with its own set of symptoms. While the specific symptoms may vary, all types of BPD share certain features, such as a pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. This instability often leads to impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors.
The most common type of BPD is called “impulsive/borderline”. People with this type of BPD tend to be highly impulsive, engaging in risky behaviors without regard for the consequences. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, leading to outbursts of anger or aggression. People with this type of BPD often have a history of substance abuse and may be compulsively engaged in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex, driving without a license, and shoplifting.
Another common type of BPD is called “inhibited/borderline”. People with this type of BPD tend to be withdrawn and fearful of intimacy. They may have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be prone to depression and anxiety. People with this type of BPD often have a history of trauma or abuse and may Self-harm as a way of numbing their emotions.
less common types of BPD include “antisocial/borderline”, “narcissistic/borderline”, “schizotypal/borderline”, and “psychotic/borderline”.
People with antisocial/borderline features tend to be manipulative and callous, with a disregard for the rights of others. They may be engaged in criminal activity and have a history of violence.
People with narcissistic/borderline features tend to be preoccupied with their own needs and exaggerated sense of self-importance. They may be excessively entitled and demanding, expecting others to meet their needs without regard for their own.
People with schizotypal/borderline features tend to be eccentric and have odd beliefs or magical thinking. They may be socially isolated and have difficulty understanding or relating to other people.
People with psychotic/borderline features tend to experience hallucinations or delusions. They may be out of touch with reality and have difficulty functioning in day-to-day life.
While all types of BPD share certain features, the symptoms and severity of the disorder can vary depending on the type. It is important to seek professional help if you think you or someone you know may have BPD.