Borderline Personality Disorder
October 3, 2022
Borderline Personality Disorder is an illness that is marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. They may experience intense episodes of anger, depression and anxiety that could last a few hours to days. BPD results in impulsive actions and creates problems in relationships. People who suffer with this disorder often their interests and values change quickly, while their perspectives can range from extremely good or bad.
Though not everyone experiences every symptom, some signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder would include:
~ Efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
~ Pattern of intense and unstable relationship switch family, friends and loved ones
~ Distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self
~ Self-harming or recurring thoughts of suicide
~ Intense changeable moods
~ Impulsive and dangerous behaviors (spending sprees, reckless driving, binge-drinking)
Note: If someone is experiencing these symptoms while in an elevated mood, it may be a mood disorder rather than borderline personality disorder.
BPD also has some risk factors like family history, brain factors and environmental, cultural, and social factors. Family history comes to play, especially if a family member has a history of borderline personality disorder. You would be likely to also have the mental disorder. Though it is not one hundred percent certain if this next one is either a risk factor or caused by the disorder, but the brain factor. There are structural and functional changes in the brain, controlling impulses and emotion regulation. Lastly, there are the environmental, cultural, and social factors, where it is reported that those who suffer from the disorder had experienced a traumatic life event or may have been exposed to unstable relationships and hostile conflicts.
Unfortunately, this disorder is difficult to treat and can take time. Be patient with those who are under treatment. It is proven that with treatment, those with BPD, can improve quality of life and have fewer symptoms. Some treatment includes medications, psychotherapy, and outpatient care (never hospitalization or emergency care). Medications are prescribed via a primary healthcare provider. Psychotherapy is the first line of treatment. It can be done either individually or within a group setting. There are two types of psychotherapy: dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavior therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) uses the concept of mindfulness and acceptance or being aware of and attentive to the current situation and emotional state. Whereas Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change core beliefs and behaviors that underlie inaccurate perspectives of themselves and others.