Table of Contents
(BPD), also known as Borderline personality disorder, is a mental health illness characterized by volatile emotions, thoughts, and self-identity. People suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder consistently experience a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. This results in a lack of control over their emotional outbursts, reckless behaviors, and unstable relationships.
Those with Borderline Personality Disorder tend to be extremely sensitive about little things. Once they start reacting, they can have difficulty calming down from their intense anger; some may become violent.
Borderline Personality Disorder begins in early adulthood and is only diagnosed in adults. Even though young children and teenagers may sometimes show signs of this disorder, most exhibit only signs of emotional immaturity and their behaviors change as they mature.
What are The Causes?
Like most mental health issues, there isn’t one clear thing that causes a person to develop a borderline personality disorder. Therefore, the exact cause of Borderline Personality Disorder remains undetermined.
It’s believed that it’s from biological or natural causes and environmental factors (mostly from childhood). These include genetics, family history, traumatic life events in childhood, abuse and neglect, hostile environments, abusive relationships, and other factors of a similar nature.
These factors may heighten a person’s chance of developing BPD. Still, it doesn’t always follow that those who experience these events or have a genetic predisposition towards developing this disorder will automatically follow suit.
There may also be some brain abnormalities that are common among patients diagnosed with BPD. Some brain chemicals responsible for emotional regulation, like serotonin, do not function as well as they should.
Their brain is constantly alert, and their fight-or-flight switch doesn’t work correctly. When triggered by a minor event, it goes into overdrive, leading to heightened emotions and stress responses. They may have had traumatic childhood experiences and memories of abuse and neglect. These can also potentially trigger the development of this disorder.
What Are The Symptoms and Signs of BPD?
- Here are some of the common symptoms and signs of this disorder.
- Feelings of intense sadness, anger, or anxiety that can last for hours or extended periods.
- The tendency to see themselves negatively. They may even think they are evil and say, ‘I am bad.’ Some may feel they do not exist.
- Fear and anxiety of being abandoned or separated. It can leave them with a constant feeling of emptiness within.
- They anticipate being rejected by others.
- Lack of trust in other people.
- Experience constant turmoil in relationships with family, friends, and close relationships. Relationships are complicated for them.
- Lack of stability in terms of how they see themselves.
- Their goals and values can change a lot as they are in a constant state of unknowing.
- Self-harming actions, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, and tendencies.
- Risky behaviors include binge eating, drug use, gambling, drinking excessively, etc.
- Aggressive behaviors include loss of temper, physical violence, extreme anger, offensive sarcasm, bitterness, and other inappropriate behaviors.
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatments
All hope is not lost for those who have Borderline Personality Disorder. Finding the correct qualified physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist will help evaluate the person’s struggles and help in their diagnosis, aiding in their treatment of this mental illness.
The best natural treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can only be successfully done with a qualified mental health physician or therapist. Other forms of treating Borderline Personality Disorder may include medications such as antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs.
Doctors may suggest psychiatric hospitalization or clinic confinement when patients demonstrate self-harming tendencies. This would be when they must keep the patient safe from bodily harm. Even though recovery may not be instant or complete recovery never reached, getting help as soon as possible is the best form of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve heard BPD is often misdiagnosed. What other conditions are commonly mistaken for it?
Imagine a chameleon, constantly changing colors. BPD can be similar, sometimes masquerading as bipolar disorder due to intense mood swings or even depression because of the deep feelings of emptiness that can occur. It’s also been confused with PTSD, especially if trauma is part of someone’s history. The key difference? While these conditions share some symptoms, BPD is fundamentally about unstable relationships, self-image, and impulsivity.
Are there subtypes of BPD, or is it a “one size fits all” diagnosis?
Think of BPD as a constellation. Each star is a little different, but they’re all connected. While there’s no official subtype system, researchers have identified different presentations, such as those who are more impulsive versus those who internalize their struggles. This is important because it might influence treatment approaches.
My friend with BPD talks about “splitting.” What does this mean?
Imagine a light switch that’s only ever on or off. For someone with BPD, “splitting” is seeing people or situations as all good or all bad, with no middle ground. It’s like a rollercoaster of idealization and devaluation, making relationships incredibly challenging.
What’s the connection between borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma?
Many individuals with BPD have experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect. This isn’t the case for everyone, but research suggests a strong link. It’s believed that trauma can disrupt healthy emotional development, increasing the risk of developing BPD.
Can BPD be cured? What are the most effective treatment options?
BPD is a chronic condition, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence of suffering. Think of it like a path through a forest. Therapy is the compass and maps guiding you toward healing. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the gold standard, specifically designed for BPD. It teaches skills for managing emotions, relationships, and impulsive behaviors. Medication can also help with specific symptoms, but therapy is the cornerstone of recovery.
Is borderline personality disorder more common in women than men?
The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit more nuanced. Women are more likely to be diagnosed, but this could be due to bias in the healthcare system. Some research suggests that men with BPD might be underdiagnosed, potentially receiving different labels like PTSD or depression.
My loved one has BPD. How can I best support them?
Supporting someone with BPD is like walking on a tightrope. It requires patience, understanding, and setting healthy boundaries. Educating yourself about the disorder is crucial. Validate their feelings, but don’t enable harmful behaviors. Encourage them to seek expert help and remind them that recovery is possible.
What are some common misconceptions about borderline personality disorder?
One big misconception is that people with BPD are manipulative. While their intense emotions can be challenging, their actions are usually driven by fear and a desperate need for connection. Another myth is that they’re attention-seekers. They often crave validation and fear abandonment, leading to sometimes misinterpreted behaviors.
What are the long-term outcomes for people with borderline personality disorder?
The good news is that many people with BPD experience significant improvement with treatment. Studies have shown that mood swings and impulsive behaviors tend to decrease over time, and overall functioning improves. It’s a journey, not a sprint, but recovery is possible.
Where can I find reliable information and support for borderline personality disorder?
The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) is a fantastic resource, offering information, support groups, and educational programs. The National Institute of Mental Health has much information on BPD. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Borderline Personality Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder
- National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD): https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org
- Behavioral Tech: The Linehan Institute: https://behavioraltech.org
- Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center (BPDRC): https://www.bpdcentral.com
- NEABPD: Family Connections Program: https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/family-connections
- The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API