Borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms are very broad, and some can be similar to other mental health problems, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and even eating disorders. Living with borderline personality disorder can cause severe distress in a person and their everyday functioning. They may face stigma from society and feel ashamed about their diagnosis. Understanding borderline personality disorder can help individuals recognize symptoms early on so they can receive treatment as soon as possible, improving their chances of successfully managing their mental health disorder. It is also important for others to understand this disorder to better support their loved ones diagnosed with BPD.
Mental Health Treatment That Works
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a chronic mental health disorder that affects how individuals perceive themselves, the ability to manage emotions, and impulse control. They may also have unstable, chaotic relationships. People with BPD have a strong fear of abandonment and although they want loving, lasting relationships, often this fear of abandonment leads to mood swings and anger. It may also lead to impulsiveness and self-injury which drives others away. They may also have a deep distrust of others.
People with borderline personality disorder may be terrified of rejection and compete for social acceptance. It may be more difficult for them to manage the normal ups and downs of a relationship, leading to impulsive, self-destructive behavior to relieve anxiety and fear of being left alone. When stressed, people with BPD may develop psychotic-like symptoms such as distortion of their perceptions or beliefs. They may become enraged when another person disappoints them and hold that person responsible for the pain they feel.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder affects how a person feels about themselves and relationships with others. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions, leading to impulsive behaviors. Some common symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
- Fear of abandonment.
- Idealizing or devaluing other people.
- Patterns of unstable, intense relationships.
- Intense outbursts of anger.
- Impulsive or risky behavior, such as substance abuse or engaging in unsafe sex.
- Low self-esteem or self-image.
- Self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation.
- Feelings of emptiness.
- Unable to tolerate being alone.
- Periods of stress-related paranoia and loss of contact with reality.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of borderline personality disorder are not fully understood but researchers have found that it may involve a combination of risk factors. It can affect people of all genders and backgrounds; however women are diagnosed more often than men, however more research is needed to understand why this is. Some causes and risk factors that can cause BPD include:
- Genetics. Studies have shown that personality disorders may be inherited.
- Brain abnormalities. Certain brain differences can alter mood regulation causing aggression, depression, and difficulty regulating destructive urges.
- Environment. Disrupted family life or abandonment in childhood or adolescence.
- Trauma. Including physical and sexual abuse.
Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder may be difficult to diagnose as it resembles many other mental health disorders. It can also be difficult to know the difference between a personality style and a pattern. They are considered a disorder when they impair a person’s functioning and cause significant stress. There is also no laboratory test, such as a blood test, to diagnose BPD.
A mental health professional can diagnose BPD on the basis of history and observations during their initial evaluation. They may order medical exams to rule out any physical causes of the person’s symptoms. To receive a diagnosis, the person must present with five out of nine DSM-5 criteria symptoms which are:
- Impulsiveness in two potentially damaging areas (i.e., substance abuse, shopping)
- Mood instability from reactivity
- Paranoia or dissociation under stress
- Unstable self-image
- Volatile, intense relationships
- Suicidal ideation
- Inappropriate anger
- Fear of abandonment
- Feelings of emptiness
Many people with BPD often experience other conditions as well, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A mental health professional will evaluate for co-occurring disorders as well to create effective treatment plans that address all disorders.
Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder
Psychotherapy is a key part of borderline personality disorder treatment. Mental health professionals will use various types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to treat the symptoms of BPD. Therapy can teach coping skills and tools to gain control over distorted thoughts and destructive behaviors. Group therapy can sometimes be helpful as well. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to improve mood states and treat co-occurring disorders like depression.
There is no cure for mental health disorders like BPD, however effective treatments are available that help individuals manage their symptoms to live healthier, happier lives. Treatment effectiveness depends on the condition’s severity and the person’s willingness towards treatment. Early intervention is often key for successful long-term management of symptoms.
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Every person will experience BPD differently, but in most cases, it can severely hinder every day functioning and quality of life. People with borderline personality disorder can feel lonely, have low self-esteem, and have difficulty regulating their emotions. Some people report feeling like there is something inherently wrong with them, like they are a bad person, and that they deserve the things that happen to them. They may feel empty, numb, and with no purposes. Some report feeling like they are a child in an adult world.
As a result of these feelings, individuals with BPD may engage in self-destructive behaviors. They are more likely to have self-harming behaviors such as cutting themselves or even attempting suicide. People may cope with these emotions through substance abuse, overspending, or binge eating. Thoughts and feelings surrounding how others perceive them or that they will abandon them, leads to angry and aggressive behaviors which only pushes others away. They tend to have very volatile or unstable relationships as well.
Support for Families and Loved Ones
Being close to someone with borderline personality disorder can be very difficult. Relationships can be intense and chaotic, which can put a lot of stress on families and loved ones. While you want to help them and hope they know you love them, they may still push you away. It is important for loved ones to take care of themselves as well. Family therapy can be beneficial to help improve communication and in understanding borderline personality disorder to better support them. Taking part in their treatment not only shows your loved one that you care but can help you improve your relationship but also help them implement certain coping skills and strategies.
Mental Health Treatment That Works
How Moment of Clarity Can Help
Moment of Clarity is a network of mental health treatment facilities in Southern California. We specialize in treating borderline personality disorder and common co-occurring disorders including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and PTSD. Our outpatient programs are available through various levels of care including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) to fit the needs of each person. Clinicians will conduct a thorough evaluation and work with one another to ensure the person receives the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Patients with borderline personality disorder can expect various types of individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, holistic treatments, and medication management as part of their personalized treatment plan. Outpatient mental health treatment allows patients to receive structured, intensive care while continuing to reside at home, surrounded by the support of loved ones.
If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, Moment of Clarity may be able to help. Please give us a call today at (949)625-0564 today to talk to one of our intake specialists who can get you started on the admissions process.
