Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and
negatively impact their relationships with others. Effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. A licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—who is experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders can diagnose borderline personality disorder based on a thorough interview and a discussion about symptoms. A careful and thorough medical exam also can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms. In diagnosing the illness, providers will discuss a person’s symptoms and ask about family medical
histories, including histories of mental illness. Borderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. Occasionally, a person younger than age 18 may be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder if symptoms are significant and last at least a year. What other illnesses can co-occur with borderline personality disorder? Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). These co-occurring disorders can make it harder to diagnose and treat borderline personality disorder, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with symptoms of the disorder. For example, a person with borderline personality disorder also may be more likely to experience symptoms of major
depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder,
anxiety disorders,
substance abuse, or
eating disorders.
The common signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) may include Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. A pattern of intense and unstable relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, often swinging from idealization (extreme closeness and love) to devaluation (extreme dislike or anger) The common signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) may include:
What is borderline personality disorder?Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition in which a person has long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions. These inner experiences often result in impulsive actions and chaotic relationships with other people. Patients with this mental illness have difficulties controlling their emotions, which can lead to various stressful mental and behavioral problems. Patients with BPD may have a severely distorted self-image and feel worthless. Additionally, their anger, impulsiveness, and frequent mood swings tend to push people away, although they have a desire to have loving and lasting relationships. Causes:
Risk factors for BPD include:
This personality disorder tends to occur more often in women and among hospitalized psychiatric patients. Treatment options: Psychotherapy: This deals with emotional baggage and a tendency to repress emotions.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):
Pharmacotherapy:
It is common for individuals with BPD to be diagnosed with other mental health disorders. Some of the most common of these co-occurring disorders include:
The prognosis for BPD used to be grim. New treatment methods have changed that. Patients should follow the treatment team's guidelines. Attending therapy sessions regularly and taking medicine as prescribed by the therapist can help reduce how often the symptoms occur and how severe they are. Remission is common in patients who seek out and follow through with treatment. It can take some time to improve their well-being with therapy and medication. It's important to stick with the treatment. The outlook of treatment depends on how severe the condition is and whether the person is willing to accept help. With long-term talk therapy, the person often gradually improves. SLIDESHOWThe 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 4/14/2021 References Borderline Personality Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/index.shtml What is the biggest symptom of BPD?With borderline personality disorder, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships.
What triggers a person with borderline personality disorder?Separations, disagreements, and rejections—real or perceived—are the most common triggers for symptoms. A person with BPD is highly sensitive to abandonment and being alone, which brings about intense feelings of anger, fear, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and very impulsive decisions.
What is a common symptom of someone with BPD?People with BPD have extreme mood swings, unstable relationships and trouble controlling their emotions. They have a higher risk of suicide and self-destructive behavior. Talk therapy is the main treatment for BPD.
What are the 3 C's in BPD?Remember the 3 C's: I didn't cause it, I can't control it, I can't cure it.
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