What is Borderline Personality Disorder? Your Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What are the Common Symptoms of BPD?

The symptoms associated with Borderline Personality Disorder can have an impact on one’s mental health. Some of those symptoms include:

1.)Emotional Instability: Individuals may experience intense mood swings that can last for hours or days. These are often triggered by seemingly minor events. A person may go from feeling like he or she is on top of the world to feeling hopeless.

3.) Unstable Self-Image: Individuals with BPD may struggle to establish a consistent sense of self. They may have a poor self-image and a negative mental health. This could lead to a reliance on others for validation and a sense of identity.

4.) Impulsive Behavior: BPD often manifests in impulsive behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, or binge eating. These impulsive actions are often attempts to cope with emotional pain or to avoid feelings of emptiness.

5.) Self-Harming Behaviors: Some individuals with BPD resort to self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. These behaviors are often non-suicidal and serve as a means to release emotional pain.

2.) Fear of Abandonment: People with BPD may have an overwhelming fear of being abandoned or left alone. This fear of abandonment can lead to clingy or obsessive behaviors. 

6. )Intense and Unstable Relationships: People with BPD  tend to have unstable  relationships. They may idolize others one moment and then vilify them the next, leading to a pattern of intense and mentally unhealthy relationships. If you feel as though BPD may be impacting your relationship, you can always reach out to a relationship counselor. 

How does BPD differ from other Mental Health Conditions?

Borderline Personality Disorder shares some similarities with other mental health conditions. These similarities can make it difficult to diagnose the disorder. There  are some differences which can make it easier for a therapist to distinguish between different types of disorder.

• BPD vs. Bipolar Disorder: While both conditions involve mood swings, they are distinct. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and mania that can last for days, weeks, or even months. In contrast, the mood swings in BPD are often more rapid and responsive to external factors. 

• BPD vs. Depression: Depression primarily involves ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. BPD is marked by emotional dysregulation, unstable relationships, and a fear of abandonment.

• BPD vs. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders revolve around excessive worry and fear. While anxiety can be a part of BPD, the core of the disorder lies in emotional instability and relationship challenges.

  Understanding the difference between BPD and other mental health disorders can help you with getting an accurate diagnosis. To get help with telling the difference between disorders and getting a diagnosis, find a therapist near you today. 

What are the Causes and Risk Factors associated with BPD?

Borderline Personality Disorder is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. While the exact causes remain unknown, research suggests that the following factors may contribute to its development:

1. Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest a genetic contribution to BPD. Individuals with a family history of the disorder may have a higher risk of developing it themselves. 
2. Environmental Factors: Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma, neglect, or abuse, can play a significant role in the development of BPD. Chaotic family environments  may also contribute to emotional instability and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.
3. Neurobiological Factors:  Abnormalities in areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control may contribute to the emotional instability and impulsive behavior seen in the disorder.

4. Childhood Trauma: Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing BPD later in life. Trauma disrupts healthy emotional development and coping mechanisms, contributing to emotional instability.

5. Neglect or Abandonment: Children who grow up in an environment where their emotional needs are not met or they experience parental abandonment may struggle with forming stable relationships in adulthood.

What are some treatment options for BPD?

If you feel as though you might have Borderline Personality Disorder, there are a variety of treatment options. A trained professional therapist is always a valuable mental health resource and can help address any symptoms or questions associated with BPD.

1. Psychotherapy: Therapy is a cornerstone of BPD treatment. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Schema Therapy are effective in addressing emotional dysregulation and relationship challenges.
2. Medication: In some cases, medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
3. Support Groups: Joining support groups with individuals facing similar challenges can provide a sense of belonging and shared understanding.
4. Self-Care and Mindfulness: By practicing self-care and mindfulness, individuals can help to regulate their emotions. A strong self-care routine can help people improve their mental health and stability. 

Conclusion

Borderline Personality Disorder can impact your daily life and make it harder to create healthy relationships. The disorder may make it difficult to have a stable work, school, or home environment. If you feel as though you might have or are living with BPD, you have plenty of options to deal with the effects and symptoms. 

Use this quick online assessment tool to find out if you might have Borderline Personality Disorder and then use our resources to reach out to one of trained professional counselors for more information.