Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder

(Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD)

Possible symptoms:

Intense fear of abandonment – the person may resort to extreme measures to avoid separation or being left, even when these fears are unrealistic.

Forming unstable and intense relationships – they may see someone as ideal at one moment, and soon after believe that the person is indifferent or cruel.

Rapid shifts in self-perception – they may frequently change their goals and values, or feel that they are bad people, or that they do not exist at all.

Stress-related paranoia and a sense of losing touch with reality – these episodes may last from a few minutes to several hours.

Impulsive and risky behaviors – for example, gambling, dangerous driving, unprotected sex, uncontrolled spending, overeating, substance misuse, or abruptly giving up on important life goals (such as suddenly quitting a job or ending a healthy relationship).

Threats of self-harm or suicide – often expressed as a reaction to fear of abandonment or rejection.

Self-harm and suicidal behaviors – self-injury (for example, cutting the skin on the arm) or suicidal thoughts and actions that may be carried out as a way to cope with emotional pain.

Sudden mood changes – these may shift over a period ranging from a few hours to several days. They can include intense happiness, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of shame.

Persistent feeling of emptiness – a constant sense of inner emptiness and hopelessness, which often becomes the basis for depression or anxiety.

Disproportionate, intense anger – often involves frequent irritability, sarcasm, bitterness, or physical fights.

Possible contributing factors:

Genetics – research suggests that personality disorders may be inherited genetically or be closely linked to other mental health conditions within family members.

Changes in the brain – research has shown that alterations in certain areas of the brain can affect emotions, impulsivity, and aggression.

Possible complications:

Frequent job changes or job loss

Dropping out of education

Legal problems (for example, imprisonment)

Strained relationships, marital crisis, or divorce

Self-harm (for example, cutting or burning oneself) and frequent hospitalizations

Abusive relationships

Unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, road traffic accidents, and physical fights resulting from impulsive behavior

Suicide attempt or suicide

Depression

Alcohol and other substance misuse

Anxiety disorders

Eating disorders

Bipolar disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Other personality disorders

Possible treatment options:

Psychotherapy:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): a method developed specifically for people with BPD that teaches emotion regulation and behavior control.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): aims to change negative thoughts and improve behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): a method developed specifically for people with BPD that teaches emotion regulation and behavior control.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): aims to change negative thought patterns and improve behaviors.

Medication treatment:

Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications that help manage symptoms are selected individually by a psychiatrist.

Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications that help manage symptoms are selected individually by a psychiatrist.

Social support:

Involvement of family members and friends.
Support groups where people with BPD share their experiences.

Involvement of family members and friends.

Support groups where people with BPD share their own experiences.

Hospitalization

Day Clinic

Comprehensive treatment approach

Treatment takes time!

What you should do before your appointment with the doctor:

Before your appointment, prepare a list that includes:

All the symptoms you are experiencing or that your loved ones have noticed, and how long they have been present.

Any important personal information, including past traumatic experiences or current sources of stress.

Your medical history, including any other physical or mental health conditions.

All medications you are taking – including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and other supplements, as well as their dosages.

Any questions you would like to ask your doctor, so that you can gain the maximum benefit from the consultation.

See also

→ Medication management for borderline personality disorder

Related topics: Depression · Post-traumatic stress disorder · Psychiatrist consultation

Source: NIMH — Borderline Personality Disorder.