Borderline
- Article
- 2021-03-02
Borderline personality disorder is a disease characterized by a constant pattern of changing moods, self-image and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with borderline personality disorder can experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. People with BPD may experience mood swings and insecurity about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to see things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinion of other people can also change quickly. Someone who is seen as a friend one day may be viewed as an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships. Other signs or symptoms can include: Not everyone with borderline personality disorder experiences every symptom. Some people only experience a few symptoms, while others have many. Symptoms can be caused by seemingly ordinary events. For example, people with Borderline Personality Disorder may become angry and upset about minor divorces from people with whom they have close ties, such as traveling on a business trip. The severity and frequency of the symptoms and how long they last depends on the individual and their illness. The cause of borderline personality disorder is not yet clear, but research suggests that genetics, brain structure and function, and environmental, cultural, and social factors play a role, or may increase the risk of developing borderline personality disorder. While these factors can increase a person's risk, it does not mean that the person will develop borderline personality disorder. Likewise, there may be people without these risk factors who will develop borderline personality disorder in their lifetime. Borderline personality disorder has historically been viewed as difficult to treat. But with newer, evidence-based treatment, many people with the disorder experience less or less severe symptoms and an improved quality of life. It is important that people with Borderline Personality Disorder receive evidence-based, specialized treatment from a trained health care provider. Other types of treatment, or treatment given by a doctor or therapist who is not adequately trained, may not benefit the person. There are many factors that affect the time it takes for symptoms to improve once treatment begins, so it is important for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and their loved ones to be patient and receive appropriate support during treatment . A licensed mental health professional - such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker - who has experience diagnosing and treating mental health disorders can diagnose borderline personality disorder by: Borderline personality disorder is common with other mental illnesses. Concomitant disorders can make it more difficult to diagnose and treat Borderline Personality Disorder, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. For example, a person with borderline personality disorder is more likely to also experience symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or eating disorders. NIMH-funded studies show that people with borderline personality disorder who do not receive adequate treatment: Borderline personality disorder is also associated with a significantly higher rate of self-harm and suicidal behavior than the general public. People with Borderline Personality Disorder who are thinking about harming themselves or committing suicide need immediate help. If you or someone you know is in crisis , call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are free and confidential. Please contact social media directly if you are concerned about a friend's social media updates or call 911 in an emergency. Read more on NIMH's health page about suicide prevention. The treatments described on this page are just some of the options that may be available for a person with Borderline Personality Disorder. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment for people with borderline personality disorder. A therapist may provide one-on-one treatment between the therapist and the patient, or group treatment. Therapist-led group sessions can teach people with BPD how to interact with others and how to express themselves effectively. It is important that people in therapy get along with and have confidence in their therapist. The nature of borderline personality disorder can make it difficult for people with the disorder to maintain a comfortable and trusting relationship with their therapist. Two examples of psychotherapies used to treat borderline personality disorder are: Did you not find what you were looking for? Search further in the Signs and Symptoms
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