Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a kind of mental health problem. It may also be called emotionally unstable personality disorder. People with BPD have unstable moods and can act recklessly. They also have a hard time managing their emotions. If you have BPD, you may have problems with daily tasks, obligations, and life events. You may have trouble keeping jobs and relationships. And you may use food, alcohol, or
other substances to cope. It's important to get treatment, because you are at higher risk of suicide. You are also at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harm. Experts are still learning about the condition. Certain kinds of treatment can help and are often quite successful. What causes borderline personality disorder?Mental health experts don't know exactly what causes BPD. Some studies have shown it may be passed down in families. Your social and cultural surroundings may also play a part. For example, you may be at higher risk for BPD if you are part of a community with unstable relationships. People are at a higher risk for getting borderline personality disorder if they have suffered from abuse or neglect. Living with parents or guardians who have a history of substance abuse or criminal activity may increase the risk as well. What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?The symptoms of BPD often start during the teen years. The symptoms can vary from person to person. But people with BPD will have at least 5 of these symptoms over time:
The symptoms of BPD may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?If you have BPD symptoms, you can be diagnosed by a mental health provider. This type of specialist can include a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Or you may be seen by a clinical social worker or psychiatric nurse practitioner. The mental health provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. You may be asked about your family's history of mental health conditions. You may also have a physical exam. This can rule out other illness. Make sure to tell the mental health provider about any health problems you have and any medicines you take. How is borderline personality disorder treated?Your healthcare provider will figure out your specific treatment for BFP based on the following:
Many people with BPD respond well to treatment and get better. The most common treatment for BPD is psychotherapy. It can be done one-on-one or in a group setting. It may also be helpful if your family is part of the treatment. A trained psychotherapist may use one or more of these methods:
Medicines can also help some people with BPD. Neuroleptic and atypical antipsychotic medicine can help with some symptoms. Antidepressant and antianxiety medicine can be used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety that may happen at the same time as BPD. If you have severe symptoms, you may need hospital care for a time. What are the complications of borderline personality disorder?BPD may seriously affect a person's ability to cope and function in a job or in school. Other common problems that affect people with BPD include getting other mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. The person may have repeated hospitalizations due to repeated suicide attempts, self-mutilation, and disruptive behaviors. It can even lead to multiple prison sentences. Living with borderline personality disorderIf you have BPD:
When should I call my healthcare provider?If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Key points about borderline personality disorder
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Can you just develop borderline personality disorder?Although anyone can develop BPD, it's more common if you have a family history of BPD. People with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or eating disorders, are also at higher risk. Nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
At what age does borderline personality disorder develop?According to the DSM-5, BPD can be diagnosed as early as at 12 years old if symptoms persist for at least one year. However, most diagnoses are made during late adolescence or early adulthood.
Are you born with borderline personality disorder or does it develop?The development of this disorder is complex, and there are likely a variety of potential causes, so it's unlikely that one person or thing is at fault. The exact causes of BPD are not yet known, but most experts believe that BPD develops as a result of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
How a borderline individual is created?In addition to environmental factors — such as a history of child abuse or neglect — borderline personality disorder may be linked to: Genetics. Some studies of twins and families suggest that personality disorders may be inherited or strongly associated with other mental health disorders among family members.
|