Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by daily instability. People with BPD experience intense mood swings and can often be spurred by irrational thoughts and feelings about themselves and others which greatly affect their interactions. On a daily basis, people with BPD can struggle with self-image, impulsivity and emotional regulation.

Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Key signs and symptoms of BPD are:

  • Difficulty emotionally regulating throughout the day resulting in erratic thoughts, feelings and behavior that lasts for hours, days or weeks.
  • Rage: Inappropriate, seemingly uncontrollable outbursts of anger that strain relationships and often result in feelings of guilt and shame.
  • Self-harm: Intentionally hurting themselves by cutting, threatening to or acting on suicidal ideations.
  • Risky behavior: Engaging in impulsive behaviors that could be detrimental, such as reckless driving, frivolously spending too much money at one time, substance misuse or unsafe sex.
  • Skewed self-image: Having a distorted self-image that interferes with maintaining stable relationships, goals, school or job performance, values and opinions.
  • Disassociation: Feeling like they are disconnected from their body, floating above and watching events take place.
  • Psychosis: Extreme stress can bring on sporadic episodes of psychosis (losing touch with reality).
  • Paranoia: Stress-induced thoughts that others are out to harm them, conspiring against them, or that there is danger around every corner.
  • Chronic boredom: The need to be “on to the next thing” can lead them to become persistently bored in the present and seek thrills on a whim.

What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?

Although there is not one specific cause for borderline personality disorder, certain factors can influence the condition.

During the formative years of childhood and adolescence, living in an unstable or violent environment increases the body’s fight-or-flight response and reduces feelings of safety and security. Traumatic events in early life such as neglect, parental abandonment, and physical, emotional or sexual abuse can greatly affect the development of neural pathways in the brain and how neurons communicate to regulate emotions and decision-making judgment. While researchers have not pinpointed a specific gene that directly causes BPD, they do suggest that people are at a higher risk of developing BPD if they have a close family member who has been diagnosed with the disorder.

Relationships and Borderline Personality Disorder

Often fueled by strong abandonment fears, people with symptoms of BPD have trouble maintaining healthy relationships. For example, one moment they’re madly in love with their partner and the next they simply can’t stand them. Friendships and work relationships can be strained due to unpredictable outbursts of anger, panic and erratic behavior. At times, it can be very difficult for people with BPD to hold secure jobs. They may socially isolate when feeling unwell which makes it more challenging for friends, family and coworkers to consistently connect.

On the other hand, people with BPD may so intensely fear being abandoned by their loved ones that they act out due to insecurity in certain ways. For instance, they might instigate fights to see how their significant other responds, and chances are there’s no “right” way to answer a question. They might suddenly start throwing things, yelling or name-calling.

People with BPD may even see scenarios play out in their minds that are false but seem very real to the person with BPD. These incidents can lead them to accuse their partner, for example, of doing things they haven’t such as lying, having an affair, stealing or secretly wanting out of the relationship. It can be challenging to navigate the ups and downs of BPD symptoms, but healing is very possible with trauma-informed treatment.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder can occur simultaneously with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms are sometimes hard to differentiate, which is why it’s important to receive an official diagnosis from a licensed professional.

Treatment options for BPD include:

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and talk therapy are helpful for understanding triggers, feelings and reactions. Exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective in improving the association with distinct memories of traumatic events. All of these tactics are effective in improving emotional regulation.

Medication

Providers may prescribe medications to assist with healing parts of the brain that are affected by BPD and co-occurring disorders. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed to receive the maximum benefits. The symptoms of BPD begin to stabilize when medication is combined with therapy and holistic healing approaches like physical and intellectual activities.

Group therapy

Support groups are excellent ways to stay engaged with peers and other people living with BPD. In a non-judgmental environment, you can feel safe to share stories and connect with like-minded people. Group therapy sessions may include family and friends to help support you throughout recovery.

Mental Health Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one may be struggling with symptoms of BPD, Discovery Mood & Anxiety offers varying levels of care, or treatment programs, based on your needs. Discovery has residential treatment (RTC), partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP) or flexible IOP virtual programming.

Take the next step towards a healthier, happier life with Discovery Mood & Anxiety by reaching out to speak with an admissions counselor.

Contact us today.

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References

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/

https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/personality-disorders/borderline-personality-disorder