Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that impacts how people perceive themselves and interact with others. People with BPD experience intense and unstable moods, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
How Does BPD Affect Daily Life?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can impact many aspects of daily life. Some of the common ways BPD can affect someone in their day-to-day life include:
Relationships: The fear of abandonment can lead to intense and unstable relationships. People with BPD may idealize someone at first, then quickly switch to anger or disappointment. This can make it difficult to maintain healthy, long-term relationships.
Emotions: BPD is characterized by intense emotions and mood swings that can happen quickly. These emotions can feel very overwhelming and can be difficult to manage.
Self-image: People with BPD often struggle with a shaky sense of self. Their view of themselves can change rapidly, and they may rely on others for their sense of identity.
Impulsive behaviors: BPD can lead to impulsive and risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless spending. These behaviors can be a way of coping with difficult emotions.
Suicidal thoughts: People with BPD are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is important to take these feelings seriously and seek help immediately.
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Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, accompanied by marked impulsivity beginning in early adulthood.
A diagnosis of BPD requires experiencing at least five of the following nine criteria:
Frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment. People with BPD may go to great lengths to avoid being left alone. They may even form intense and unhealthy attachments with others.
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. This is often referred to as “splitting.” Those with BPD may idealize someone one moment and then view them as completely bad the next.
Identity disturbance with a persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. People with BPD may have a poor sense of who they are and may base their identity on the people they are with.
Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). People with BPD may engage in risky behaviors as a way to cope with emotional distress.
Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-harming behavior. People with BPD may self-harm as a way to manage difficult emotions or to communicate their distress to others.
Chronic feelings of emptiness. People with BPD may describe feeling a deep sense of emptiness or boredom.
Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights). People with BPD may have difficulty controlling their anger and may express it in intense ways.
Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. People with BPD may experience brief episodes of paranoia or dissociation, where they feel disconnected from themselves or their surroundings.
It is important to note that these criteria are guidelines for diagnosis. In order to receive an official diagnosis, it is important to consult with a mental health professional. They will be able to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose BPD.
BPD vs. Other Personality Disorders
Although BPD is a personality disorder, it has some distinct differences from other personality disorders. The main difference between BPD and other personality disorders lies in the symptoms of this condition.
Borderline personality disorder symptoms undergo greater fluctuation and variability than other conditions. According to the National Library of Medicine, BPD’s psychotic and paranoid symptoms are transient.
The depressive symptoms of this condition can also change significantly over a short period of time. For example, suicidal ideas may be intense and unbearable but may also only last for a brief time.
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency depending on the individual. With that said, there are certain BPD symptoms that are considered common amongst those who struggle with this condition, including:
Fear of abandonment: People with BPD have a strong fear of being abandoned or alone, even by casual friends or acquaintances. This fear can lead them to cling to others in unhealthy ways or to lash out at those they perceive as rejecting them.
Unstable relationships: People with BPD often have intense and stormy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. These relationships are often characterized by drama, conflict, and breakups.
Unstable self-image: People with BPD may have a poor or unstable sense of self. They may not know who they are or what they want out of life. Their self-esteem may fluctuate greatly depending on the approval of others.
Impulsive behaviors: People with BPD may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, unsafe sex, reckless driving, or self-harm. These behaviors are often a way of coping with intense emotions or feelings of emptiness.
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: People with BPD are at an increased risk of suicide or self-harm. They may make threats of suicide or engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning themselves.
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What Causes BPD?
The exact causes of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are unknown. However, many researchers believe it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Understanding what factors can contribute to BPD can help you understand your risks and take steps to ensure your well-being.
Genetic Factors
Studies of twins have shown that BPD may be hereditary. If you have a close relative with BPD, you may be more likely to develop the condition yourself. However, having a family history does not guarantee that you will get BPD.
Environmental Factors
There are a number of environmental factors that are thought to increase the risk of BPD. Some of these include:
Childhood trauma: People with BPD are more likely to have experienced childhood abuse or neglect. This can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or witnessing violence in the home.
Unstable or chaotic upbringing: Growing up in an unstable or chaotic home environment can also increase the risk of BPD. This could include things like having parents who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or who have mental health problems themselves.
Biological Factors
Some research suggests that there may be abnormalities in the brains of people with BPD. These abnormalities may affect the way that emotions are regulated. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences these risk factors will develop BPD. There may also be other factors that contribute to the development of the disorder that are not yet understood.
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How Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Treated?
The main treatment for BPD is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. There are different types of psychotherapy that can help people with BPD. Two of the most common are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mentalization-based therapy (MBT).
In some cases, medication may also be helpful for people with BPD. Medications can be used to treat symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings. This can make BPD much easier to manage in your day-to-day life.
Psychotherapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps people with BPD learn skills to manage their emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) helps people with BPD understand their own thoughts and feelings, as well as the thoughts and feelings of others. This can help them improve their relationships and reduce conflict.
Medication for BPD
There is currently no FDA-approved medication specifically for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, medications can be helpful in managing some of the symptoms of BPD, such as mood swings, irritability, impulsivity, and anxiety.
Anti-Depressants
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are the most commonly used type of BPD medication. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers can help to regulate mood swings and improve emotional stability. They are often used in conjunction with other medications, such as SSRIs. They can also make other bipolar disorder treatments, such as therapy, more effective.
Strategies for Self-Help
Borderline personality disorder BPD can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several self-help strategies you can use to manage it. Some key areas you may want to focus on include:
Emotional Awareness and Regulation: This might include identifying your triggers, practicing mindfulness, and validating your feelings.
Healthy Relationship Building: Improving your communication skills, challenging negative thoughts, and learning how to build trust gradually can help you develop and maintain healthier relationships.
Taking Care of Yourself: This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Building a Support System: BPD is best managed with the support of others. Seeking help from a professional therapist or support group can help you understand what you are going through and validate your experiences.
Remember, self-help is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.
Professional Help for Borderline Personality Disorder
If you are struggling with BPD, professional help can be crucial to your ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life. There are several BPD treatments available to help you learn how to manage your condition.
At Aliya Health Group, we offer several borderline personality disorder treatments. Our programs can help you address the root causes of your mental health issues while building effective coping mechanisms and recovery tools.
When Should You Get Help for BPD?
There are a couple of reasons to seek help for BPD. The first indicator that it is time to seek professional help is if you are experiencing symptoms that are making it difficult to live your life. This could include trouble maintaining relationships, impulsive behaviors, intense mood swings, or suicidal thoughts.
Another major sign that it is time to get help is if you are engaging in self-harm. People with BPD often struggle with self-harm as a way of coping with difficult emotions. This is dangerous enough on its own but can progress to suicidal ideations and behaviors if left unaddressed.
If you are experiencing any of these chronic feelings as a result of your BPD symptoms, please reach out to us. We can assist with treating different types of personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and more.
We are here to help you understand that you are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our team of mental health care specialists will work with you to build a treatment plan that addresses each of your care needs and gives you the best chance possible at a happier, healthier life.
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Aliya Health Group accepts most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. Some of the health insurance providers we work include:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before entering outpatient treatment for substance abuse, most people have a long list of questions and concerns. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during outpatient programs, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
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Yes, we provide integrative dual diagnostics alongside a wide array of treatment modalities. Our core objective revolves around tackling addiction, while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use disorders. Our mission is to deliver effective and holistic care that encompasses both symptom management and the exploration of root causes of addiction.
In terms of cost, outpatient treatment is typically more affordable than inpatient options which require round-the-clock medical supervision. This makes it a viable solution for individuals who may be deterred from seeking help due to financial constraints.
