What is 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 health disorder. It characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image issues, and difficulty managing emotions and behaviors, which interfere with one’s ability to function in everyday life. Most commonly, BPD develops in early adulthood, often with more severe symptoms occurring in the early stages of onset. The cause for borderline personality disorder remains unknown. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) alludes to research that “suggests that genetics, brain structure and function, and environmental, cultural, and social factors play a role, or may increase the risk for developing borderline personality disorder.” Though these factors can contribute to one’s susceptibility for developing BPD, exposure to one or more risk factors does not indicate an individual will inevitably to go on to develop borderline personality disorder.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Borderline personality disorder directly affects how one feels about him or herself, one’s behavior as well as how an individual is capable of relating to others. According to the DSM-5 key signs and symptoms of BPD may include:
Unstable personal relationships that alternate between idealization and devaluation, sometimes referred to as splitting
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment by family and friends
Impulsive behaviors resulting in dangerous outcomes (e.g. engaging in unsafe sex, reckless driving, abuse of drugs, etc.)
Distorted and unstable self-image, affecting one’s moods, relationships, goals, values, and/ or opinions
Self-harming behavior (e.g. suicidal threats)
Chronic feelings of emptiness and/ or boredom
Periods of intense depressed mood, irritability and/ or anxiety lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days long
Dissociative feelings
Intense, inappropriate, and/ or uncontrollable anger, typically followed by feelings of guilt and/ or shame
Due to the quick changing nature of exhibited signs and symptoms connected to borderline personality disorder, it is notoriously known as a difficult to treat illness.
TREATMENT
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 increase one’s quality of life. Every individual is different and will require a somewhat tailored treatment plan when it comes to BPD. Often treatment plans include a combination of medication and psychotherapy (e.g. dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.). Some individuals that experience severe symptoms will require inpatient, intensive care, while other may never need emergency care or hospitalization.
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.