Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships with others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, as well as pattern of unstable relationships.
Millions of Americans live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as personality disorders. It is estimated that 1.4% of the adult American population experiences BPD. If you have BPD, you may experience episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last from a few hours to days. Everything feels unstable: your relationships, moods, thinking, behavior, and even your identity. You tend to be extremely sensitive. Small things can trigger intense reactions. Once upset, you have trouble calming down.
What causes borderline personality disorder?
The origin of borderline personality disorder is currently unknown, according to scientist. However, some researchers on the matter indicate that the disorder could be due to genetic, environment, and social factors.
Family History– People who have a close relative with the disorder may be at a higher risk of developing the disorder.
Brain Factors– Studies show that people with borderline personality disorder can have structural and functional changes in the brain in the areas that control impulses and emotional regulation.
Environmental, /Cultural and Social Factors – Many with borderline personality disorder report experiencing traumatic life events.
What are signs and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder manifests itself in different ways. According to some mental health professionals, symptoms are grouped into nine major categories, and individuals must show five of the symptoms in order to be diagnosed with the disorder. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder may exhibit mood swings along with lacking the understanding regarding the role they play in the world, which can have a negative effect on their interests and values. Other signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder may include the following:
·Frantic efforts to avoid feeling abandoned
·Problems managing anger and unpleasant emotions
·Unclear or poor self-image
·History of unstable, intense relationships
·Impulsiveness, self-destructive behaviors
·Self-harm, Suicidal behavior
·Extreme mood swings
·Chronic feelings of emptiness
·Feeling suspicious or out of touch with reality
How is borderline personality disorder is treated?
Historically, borderline personality disorder has been difficult to treat. However; the disorder is treatable. A mental health professional is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. There are effective BPD treatments and coping skills that can help you feel better and back in control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
This disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy which is also called talk therapy with added medication. Treatment can help you learn skills to manage and cope with the condition.
Weekly therapy involving education about the disorder, group, peer, and family support; and social and emotional skills training can treat most BPD cases. Psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic psychotherapy, is the first line of choice for BPD.
Medications may be instrumental to a treatment plan, but there is no one medication specifically designed to treat the core symptoms of BPD. Rather several medications may be used off-label to treat various symptoms.
Related Conditions
Many with BPD also experience additional conditions, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorder, and other personality disorders.
New research and treatment ideas have improved the outlook for people living with BPD. With treatment you can feel better about yourself and proceed to live a more stable and rewarding life.
For more information, visitwww.nami.org,www.webmd.org, MayoClinic.org and
This article was written by Jeannetta Stephens-Jones, Ed.D., Retired Educational Diagnostician/Speech Pathologist and president of NAMI Ruston Board of Directors. Contact her at jjones_79aka@yahoo.com