How to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, mental disorder. As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), “borderline personality disorder is an illness characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, behavior, and self-image.” It is highly common for individuals with BPD to lack the ability to foster and maintain meaningful, lasting relationships. Borderline personality disorder is notoriously known as an illness that is exceedingly difficult to diagnose. However, in order to secure the most effective treatment an individual must obtain an accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental healthcare provider.
TREATMENT
Every individual is unique and each will require a customized treatment plan that is often comprised of a variety of treatment methods. In order to accommodate all the needs of an individual diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a treatment plan could include any combination of the following psychotherapeutic modalities:
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to treat individuals with BPD. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that places greater emphasis on the psychosocial aspect of treatment. DBT focuses on how one’s thoughts and beliefs can lead to actions and behaviors. This skills-based approach teaches how to manage emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships through group and individual therapy sessions.
Schema-focused therapy: incorporates aspects of CBT and psychoanalytic theories. It helps to identify unmet needs that have led to unhealthy ways of thinking about the world. Conducted in an individual setting or group setting, schema-focused therapy challenges maladaptive beliefs and behaviors and focuses on promoting positive life patterns.
Mentalization-based therapy (MBT): emphasizes thinking before reacting. This is accomplished through helping an individual identify his or her own thoughts and feelings and creating an alternate perspective on the situation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve a medication explicitly designed to treat borderline personality disorder. There are, however, certain medications that can help to alleviate and/ or reduce some of the symptoms arising from BPD or co-occurring disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.). Common examples of types of medication prescribed as a component of one’s BPD treatment plan include:
Anticonvulsants/ mood stabilizers: Topamax (topiramate), Lamictal
(lamotrigine)
Anti-anxiety medications/ anxiolytics: Lexapro (escitalopram), Zoloft (sertraline)
Antipsychotics: Rexulti (brexpiprazole)
Although BPD is considered to be a chronic condition, there are a variety of treatment options available to a person diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Treatment for BPD will help an individual learn strategies, techniques, and tools to effectively manage the symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder, reducing the severity of symptoms experienced and increasing one’s quality of life.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.