People who experience Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) feel emotions intensely, and have a hard time regulating them. Returning to a stable emotional state after a triggering event can take an extended period of time and can be more difficult for someone managing BPD. Individuals living with BPD often have poor self-image, insecurity and self-doubt, and the unstable emotions they experience can negatively impact their moods, thinking, behavior, relationships and often even their identity.
The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder says symptoms of BPD usually begin in adolescence and include mood swings and anger, a fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsive or self-damaging behaviors, feelings of worthlessness or sadness, suicidal tendencies or self-harm and paranoia or loss of contact with reality.
If you or a family member has recently received a diagnosis of BPD, you are not alone. BPD is common and highly treatable. Those experiencing BPD, and their family members, can learn coping skills through therapy, to help manage symptoms, or to be a support to the person managing BPD.
As with any mental illness, learning more about a specific disorder is the first step to understanding yourself or your loved one’s situation better. We’ve put together five important things to know about BPD.
1. BPD is common and treatable.
In the past, it was assumed that since a person’s personality can’t be changed, BPD was a lifelong condition with no real treatment. We now know that a range of new, evidence-based treatments make BPD easier to manage than ever, with many people report experiencing fewer, and less severe, symptoms and better quality of life. Having a conversation with a supportive relative, friend or qualified therapist about potential treatment options could be the beginning of your journey of recovery.
2. BPD affects men and women equally.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) estimates that 1.4% of the population is affected by BPD and women make up 75% of those diagnosed. Years ago, research suggested that more women were affected by BPD than men, however we now know that men are often misdiagnosed as having PTSD or depression, and the prevalence of BPD is equal in both populations.
3. Seek expert care.
A licensed psychotherapist or mental health professional is the best person to help you, or your family member, manage the symptoms of BPD. Your psychotherapist will provide a diagnosis, which involves a series of in-depth interviews, a medical exam and a detailed look into your family health history.
4. There are different types of treatments available.
It is particularly important for someone experiencing BPD to trust their therapist and their treatment plan. This not only helps with compliance – sticking with the recommended treatment – but helps manage the difficulty people with BPD often have with maintaining comfortable and trusting bonds with others. Treatments are highly personalized and should be tailored to each individual by an experienced professional. Treatment plans can include psychotherapy, certain medications and also periods of hospitalization, depending on the severity of symptoms. Recovery takes time, but with the right compliance and support, it has a high chance of success.
5. BPD is caused by numerous factors.
Although BPD is still not fully understood, experts agree that it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and physiological factors. Genetics play an important role, and a family history of BPD may put individuals at a higher risk of developing the disorder. Environmental influences including childhood trauma, abuse or neglect are also significant risk factors. Brain function plays a role, too, and scientists believe that people with BPD may have differences in their emotional regulation systems.
If you or a loved one has recently received a diagnosis of BPD, or you recognize the symptoms described, contact us today for a compassionate and confidential discussion. We are here to help.