Everything You Need To Know About Borderline Personality Disorder

One moment, you feel connected, inspired, and full of life and in the next, waves of doubt or fear can come crashing in. For those living with borderline personality disorder, emotions can be intense and ever-shifting.

What is BPD?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by unstable moods and reckless behavior. Individuals with BPD quite often struggle to manage their emotions consistently. If you have BPD, you might encounter difficulties with daily tasks, obligations, and significant life events. Maintaining jobs and relationships can be challenging, and you may rely on food, alcohol, or other substances to cope.

Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms

The symptoms of BPD often begin during adolescence. Symptoms can vary slightly for each individual. However, individuals with BPD will experience at least five of these symptoms over time:

• A pattern of intense mood swings over hours or days
• Intense anger and difficulty managing it
• Intense relationships with family and friends that can swiftly shift from closeness to anger and hatred
• Intense fear of abandonment and extreme behaviors to prevent it
• A swiftly evolving sense of self that may lead to abrupt shifts in goals, values, or behaviors
• Experiencing a loss of connection with themselves, their body, or reality, as well as having paranoid thoughts
• Persistent feelings of emptiness
• Self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse, binge eating, unprotected sex with multiple partners, reckless driving, or irresponsible spending
• Suicide attempts or self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, hair pulling, or burning

What causes BPD?

Mental health experts do not know exactly what causes BPD.

• Some studies indicate that it may be inherited through families.
• Your social and cultural environment may also be a contributing factor. For instance, your risk for BPD could be higher if you belong to a community characterized by unstable relationships.
• Individuals are at greater risk of developing BPD if they have experienced childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect.
• Additionally, living with parents or guardians who have a history of substance abuse or criminal behavior may further elevate this risk.

How is BPD diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of BPD, a mental health provider can diagnose you. This type of specialist may include a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

The provider will inquire about your health history and your symptoms, including your family’s history of mental health conditions. You might also undergo a physical exam to rule out other illnesses. Be sure to inform the provider about any health problems and medications you are taking.

Difference between BPD and bipolar disorder

While significant fluctuations in mood and behavior characterize bipolar disorder, it is distinct from borderline personality disorder (BPD).

In BPD, mood and behavior change quickly in response to intense stress, particularly during interactions with others, whereas in bipolar disorder, moods are more prolonged and less reactive. Individuals with bipolar disorder also experience considerable changes in energy and activity, unlike those with BPD.

How common is BPD?

Borderline personality disorder is relatively rare, affecting about 1.4% of the adult population. Its prevalence is approximately 7 per 1000 people in India.

How is BPD treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, overall health, and the severity of the condition.

The most common treatment for BPD is psychotherapy, which can take place one-on-one or in a group setting. Involving your family in the treatment may also be beneficial. A trained psychotherapist may utilize one or more of the following methods:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides tools to help change your thoughts and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy increases awareness of the present moment and teaches how to mitigate extreme emotions and actions.
• Schema-focused therapy helps reshape your self-perception, turning negative views into more positive ones.
• Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) equips you with tools to manage your reactions to specific situations, including training for family and friends.

Medications may also benefit some individuals with BPD. Generally, medications are not the first line of treatment because their effectiveness in addressing BPD remains uncertain. When prescribed, medications are utilized to manage specific symptoms, such as depression or mood swings. If you experience severe symptoms, you might require hospitalization for a period.

Possible complications of BPD

BPD can significantly impact a person’s ability to cope and function effectively in a job or school. Other prevalent issues that affect individuals with BPD include experiencing additional mood disorders such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Other psychiatric conditions

The individuals may experience multiple hospitalizations due to recurrent self-harm and disruptive behaviors. This situation can even result in multiple prison sentences.

Can BPD be prevented?

Unfortunately, borderline personality disorder cannot be prevented.

BPD is often inherited, which means that having a family history of the disorder increases your risk of developing it. Consult your healthcare provider to learn how to recognize the signs of BPD so that you can seek treatment as early as possible.

Key points about BPD

Here are some key points about BPD that one should remember:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health issue that can lead to feelings of impulsivity, recklessness, mood swings, and emotional instability.
• BPD may arise from living in a chaotic environment with inconsistent family support.
• Individuals often seek medical assistance after experiencing self-harm, which can include cutting, hair pulling, self-mutilation, and suicidal thoughts.
• Those with BPD typically respond well to medical and cognitive therapy.
• Early diagnosis can enhance an individual’s long-term quality of life and assist in forming stable relationships.
• Although symptoms are often chronic and lifelong, they can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment support.

Tips to overcome BPD

Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) requires a multifaceted approach that includes therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and self-care.

• Seek professional help. Therapy can assist individuals in developing coping skills, managing emotions, and enhancing relationships.
• Build a supportive network of family and friends. Connect with support groups and online communities.
• Develop coping mechanisms. Practise mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to decrease emotional reactivity and remain grounded in the present moment. Engage in calming and relaxing activities, such as taking a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
• Prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to support physical and mental health.
• Understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for BPD to manage your condition better and advocate for yourself.
• Be kind and understanding towards yourself, and recognize that overcoming BPD is a journey. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Avoid substance use—drugs and alcohol since they can worsen symptoms and interfere with treatment.

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