May 5, 2026.webp)
Around 1 in 100 people struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder, a mental health disorder that includes emotional dysregulation, relationship issues, and a flawed sense of self.
Getting a BPD diagnosis can mean better treatment and prognosis. BPD is a lifetime disorder, but with proper medication, therapy, and maintenance treatment, it can be fully managed. People with BPD can live long, fulfilling lives. Getting a diagnosis is the first step.
Take the first step with our free, online BPD screener assessment.
Why Get Diagnosed With BPD
Getting a diagnosis takes time and money (although insurance generally covers diagnosis and treatment), so is it worth getting a BPD diagnosis?
Yes, it usually is. Getting diagnosed with BPD means:
More accurate treatment. Knowing what you’re treating means you can target the specific symptoms, causes, and risk factors of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Self-acceptance. Living with BPD means living with big emotional shifts. Many people go through moments of hating themselves and the decisions they make. Getting a diagnosis can help people build empathy towards themselves.
Understanding symptoms. Borderline Personality Disorder is a complicated disorder with many overlapping symptoms. Psychoeducation is a crucial part of treatment, in which you’ll learn how Borderline might be affecting you.
Better coping mechanisms. Once you understand what Borderline is and how it shows up in your life, you can start coping with it. This means getting control back over your life, decisions, and relationships.
Medication. Some people benefit from medication for Borderline Personality Disorder. Medication is given by a psychiatrist and usually requires a diagnosis.
A diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder can come with stigma. Stigma is a negative perception about people with a mental health disorder. For example:
“BPD is a lifelong disorder. I must be broken.”
“People with Borderline are crazy.”
“If you have Borderline Personality Disorder, you can never have a stable relationship.”
These are common misconceptions; they’re not true. Debunking these misconceptions will be the first step after getting your BPD diagnosis.
BPD Criteria
Only a licensed therapist or psychiatrist can diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder. They use the DSM-5, a book on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. This means the same BPD criteria are applied across all therapy and psychiatry practices.
These criteria include:
Deep fear of real or imagined abandonment
Frantic efforts to avoid abandonment
Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships
Unstable sense of self, feeling like you don’t know yourself or don’t have an identity outside of other people
Impulsive and self-destructive behavior, such as risky spending, driving, sex, eating habits, or substance abuse.
Rapid and intense mood shifts; feeling elated one minute and devastated the next. Moods don’t last longer than a few days
Chronic feelings of emptiness
Angry outbursts
Severe dissociation symptoms
This is not a conclusive list and cannot substitute for talking to a mental health professional.
How to Get Officially Diagnosed with BPD
The steps to get officially diagnosed with BPD and start pursuing treatment are:
Find a Provider: A Psychiatrist is the best person to diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder. When choosing a psychiatrist, consider:
Their experience with a personality disorder.
Whether they’re in-network with your insurance.
How much do you trust them?
Schedule an Appointment: Some psychiatrists, especially those who specialize in personality disorders, might have a long wait list. At Lifebulb, our online psychiatrists have no wait list, and we prioritize getting clients into their first session within 7 days.
Come Prepared: Your diagnosis appointment will involve discussing your symptoms. It can help to come prepared with a list of why you are seeking a BPD diagnosis, examples, anecdotes, and concerns. Consider what your goals are with treatment. Do you want to have more stable relationships? A healthier understanding of yourself?
Psychoeducation: After a BPD diagnosis, your psychiatrist should walk you through what a BPD diagnosis means, the common misconceptions surrounding it, and some factual truths about it instead. It can help to do your own education as well. Find well-informed, research-backed information to help you understand your condition.
Follow up with treatment: Getting a diagnosis is a great first step, but it should be followed up by treatment. Treatment can include talk therapy, group therapy, alternative therapies, or medication. Learn more about treating BPD here.
Ready to get a Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis and start on your healing journey? Contact Lifebulb to be scheduled with a psychiatrist within 7 days.
No Waitlists. No Rush. Therapy On Your Time.
Book in less than 10 minutes, and see your therapist within 14 days! Insurance accepted.
