Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
December 6, 2021

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD manifests itself in self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions, and often erratic behavior.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions, and often erratic behavior that leads to a pattern of unstable relationships.

Symptoms

Borderline Personality Disorder may manifest in the following symptoms:

  1. Intense fear of abandonment and avoiding rejection at all cost
  2. A pattern of unstable relationships 
  3. Distortive and often changing image of self
  4. Impulsive behaviors such as gambling 
  5. Wide mood swings 
  6. Self harm and/or threats of sucide 
  7. Outbursts of uncontrolled anger

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder

There is no known cause for BPD but researchers have identified several risk factors: 

  1. Genetics: some studies suggest that personality disorders have a hereditary component and that you are more likely to suffer from a personality disorder if a member of your immediate family member has suffered from one as well.
  2. Brain structures: scientists have found changes in certain areas of the brain that control emotions, impulses, and aggression as well as in brain chemicals that control mood, such as serotonin. 
  3. Environmental Factors: a stressful childhood, past abuse, and traumatic events may make an individual more likely to experience BP

Treatment

Treatment for BPD may include any of the following options:

  • Prescription Medications such as antipsychotics, mood-stabilizing medications, and antidepressants may help manage symptoms of BPD.
  • Psychotherapy can be used to help normalize thought patterns and may include an approach known as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which was created specifically to treat BPD. It incorporates skills to help you manage emotions, improve relationships, and cope with difficulty.
  • Family Therapy can incorporate family members to help everyone cope with symptoms.