Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) In 5 Minutes Or Less
Also known as emotional dysregulation disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. People with borderline personality disorder often have unstable moods, relationships, and self-identity. They may also have problems with impulse control and anger.
Borderline personality disorder is diagnosed more often in women than in men. It usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood.
People with borderline personality disorder may have a fear of abandonment. They may also engage in impulsive or risky behaviours, such as spending sprees, unprotected sex, substance abuse, or self-harm. These behaviours can be a way of coping with negative emotions or trying to avoid abandonment.
Borderline personality disorder is notoriously thought to be one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. But with proper treatment, many people with the disorder can lead productive and satisfying lives.
Potential Causes of BPD
There is no one cause of borderline personality disorder. Rather, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
People with borderline personality disorder often have a history of trauma or abuse. This may play a role in the development of the disorder.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing borderline personality disorder include:
- A history of abuse or trauma
- A family history of mental illness
- A difficult childhood
Symptoms of BPD
Signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder can vary from person to person. But there are some common signs and symptoms that are seen in many people with the disorder.
Common signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
Unstable moods. People with borderline personality disorder often have very intense emotions. These emotions can change rapidly and can be hard to control and manage. (Note that this is different from the much longer lasting mood states of individuals with bipolar disorder. Bipolar is a mood disorder, while BPD is a personality disorder. They are not the same).
Impulsive behaviours. People with borderline personality disorder may engage in risky or impulsive behaviours, such as spending sprees, unprotected sex, or binge drinking. They seek adrenaline and thrills either to drown out and distract from their strong negative emotions, or to feel something — to feel like they are truly alive.
Unstable relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may have trouble maintaining stable relationships. Their emotions can be so intense that they may seem unstable or unpredictable to others. They engage in
Low self-esteem. People with borderline personality disorder often have a poor sense of self-worth. They may see themselves as evil, bad, or worthless.
Anger. People with borderline personality disorder may have difficulty controlling their anger. They may lash out at others or engage in self-destructive behaviours, such as cutting themselves.
Feelings of emptiness. People with borderline personality disorder often feel empty or alone. This can lead them to seek out relationships or activities that are risky or harmful.
Fear of abandonment. People with borderline personality disorder may fear that they will be abandoned by those they care about. They may do anything to avoid this, even if it means hurting themselves or others.
While these are some common signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder, not everyone with the disorder will experience all of them. And the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Treatment for BPD
If you think you or someone you know may have borderline personality disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness that can be difficult to treat. But with proper treatment, many people with the disorder can lead productive and satisfying lives.
There are a number of different treatment options available for borderline personality disorder. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s needs.
Treatment for borderline personality disorder may include:
Psychotherapy. This is often the first line of treatment for borderline personality disorder. Psychotherapy can help people with the disorder learn to manage their emotions and behaviours.
Medication. Medication can be used to treat some of the symptoms of borderline personality disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or impulsive behaviours.
Hospitalization. In some cases, people with borderline personality disorder may need to be hospitalized for a period of time. This is usually done if there is a risk of self-harm or harm to others.
Resources
If you or someone you know has borderline personality disorder, there is help available. There are many resources that can provide support and information about the disorder.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a good resource for information on borderline personality disorder. NIMH also offers a variety of publications on mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is another good resource for information on borderline personality disorder. NAMI also offers support groups and educational programs for people with mental illness and their loved ones.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a professional organization for psychiatrists. The APA offers a variety of resources on mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder: A Guide for the Family by Robert O. Friedel, M.D. is a book that provides information on borderline personality disorder. The book includes information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of the disorder.
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Family Guide by Randi Kreger is a book that provides information on borderline personality disorder. The book includes information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of the disorder.
There are also many other books and workbooks you can find on Amazon tailored to your specific situation. Whether you yourself have BPD or your loved one or family member does, you can find a book for your unique situation.
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