webadminBorderline personality disorder (BPD) refers to a mental health problem associated with the development of a negative perception towards oneself. These problems may include difficulty managing emotions and behavior, self-image issues, and a pattern of unstable relationships.
BPD is a disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of fluctuating moods, behavior, and self-image, leading to impulsive actions and conflict in relationships. People suffering from BPD are also vulnerable to depression, intense episodes of anger, and anxiety, which may last from a few hours to days. BPD may also increase the risk of indulging in self-harm and suicidal behavior.
According to the estimates, the point prevalence of BPD is 1.6 percent and the lifetime prevalence is 5.9 percent in the United States.
Understanding Signs and Symptoms
Apart from recurrent mood swings and displaying signs of uncertainty about themselves and their role in the world, some more symptoms can indicate an underlying borderline personality disorder, including:
- A pattern of unstable but intense relationships with friends, family, and loved ones, often making a transition from extreme intimacy to extreme anger or dislike (devaluation)
- Self-harming behavior, such as bruising or cutting
- Suicidal tendency
- Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, including substance abuse, unsafe sex, binge eating, and reckless driving. However, it is important to note that if the person displays these behaviors during a period of elevated mood or energy, he or she is more likely to suffer mood disorder rather than borderline personality disorder
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Unstable and distorted self-image or sense of self
- Intense mood swings, with each episode ranging from a few hours to a few days
- Intense, unjustified anger
- Difficulty trusting and doubting other people’s intentions
- Feelings of dissociation, such as seeing oneself from outside one’s body, feeling cut off from oneself, or feelings of unreality
Remember, these are some of the common symptoms. Not all struggling with BPD may exhibit these behaviors. The severity, occurrence, and duration of symptoms may be different in different subjects.
What Could Cause Borderline Personality Disorder
While the cause for borderline personality disorder is yet to be known, researchers attribute it to different factors including family history, environment, culture, social factors, and most significantly alterations in brain structure and function.
Treatment Approaches for Borderline Personality Disorder
Historically, BPD was considered an untreatable problem. However, recent developments in medical science have made it possible to minimize the frequency and severity of symptoms, thereby allowing an improved quality of life.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for those struggling with borderline personality disorder. Psychotherapy involves one-on-one treatment between the therapist and patient, or treatment in a group setting.
Therapists may also lead group sessions in which people with borderline personality disorder are trained to interact with others and express themselves effectively.
For better treatment outcome, it is important that people undergoing therapy trust their therapist and stick to his or her advice, something which is difficult for people struggling with the disorder. Two most common types of psychotherapies recommended to treat BPD include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
These therapies can be effective in helping patients:
- Reduce self-destructive behaviors
- Control intense emotions
- Improve relationships
Family and caregivers can also help by offering emotional support and encouraging their loved ones to stick to the treatment and stay calm.
At Mind Health Network, we understand that dealing with BPD would be difficult for both the patient and their loved ones. Therefore, our network of mental health treatment centers offers both these kinds of therapies in a safe and controlled environment. For more information on treatment facilities for borderline personality disorder, contact Mind Health Network. Call our 24/7 helpline number at to get more information about a psychiatric center near you or chat online with a trained representative for further assistance.
