People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) have a risk of suicide and unstable relationships. Reading this article, you will get to know about borderline personality disorder, its symptoms and causes. Moreover, you will also get an idea of diagnosis and treatment ways of BPD. Let’s find out.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental condition, in which people show too much mood fluctuations. People with BPD have trouble regulating their anger. They also show dangerous behaviors which include reckless driving as well. People living with borderline personality disorder don’t know there’s a healthier way to behave.
What is the Difference Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder?
We can characterize bipolar disorder by fluctuations in mood. It’s different from borderline personality disorder (BPD). In BPD, mood changes in response to stress, when interacting with people. Whereas in bipolar disorder, moods are less reactive. People with bipolar disorder have changes in energy, but not those with BPD.
Which People Does Borderline Personality Disorder Affect?
Most personality disorders begin at a young age when your personality matures. Many people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are older than 18 years. If you have a family history of BPD, including anxiety and eating disorders, you are at higher risk.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Signs usually appear in your late teenage years. A troubling event can make symptoms worse. With passage of time, symptoms may go away completely. Symptoms can range from manageable to severe and can include:
Fear of Abandonment:
People with BPD feel uncomfortable that people neglect them. They feel fear or become angry. They might track their loved ones. They push people away before getting too close due to fear of rejection.
Unstable, intense relationships:
People with BPD are unable to keep personal relationships because they change their views of others abruptly. Many of them go from idealizing others to devaluing them. Their friendships, marriages are chaotic and unstable.
Unstable Self-Image:
People with BPD have unclear self-image and feel guilty of themselves as “bad.” They may dramatically change their self-image, shown by changing their careers or friends. They also tend to sabotage their own progress and may fail a test on purpose. Oftentimes, they get fired from a job.
Rapid Mood Changes:
People with BPD experience changes in how they feel about others and themselves. Irrational emotions which include uncontrollable anger, hatred and love change frequently. These swings only last a few hours, but not more than a few days.
Impulsive and Dangerous Behavior:
Fighting, substance use, eating large meals in one session are common in BPD people. Self-harm or suicidal behavior, cutting or burn themselves are very common. These self-destructive acts are usually stimulated by disappointment in a lover.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?
Healthcare providers believe BPD results from factors which includes:
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Childhood abuse: Up to 70% of people with BPD have experienced physical abuse. At that time, they were children . Maternal separation and parental substance use disorder are also associated with BPD.
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Genetics: Borderline personality disorder runs in families . Although, you’re not guaranteed to develop the condition.
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Brain changes: In people with BPD, the brain parts that control emotion don’t communicate.
How is Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosed?
Personality evolves throughout children, psychiatrists don’t diagnose someone with borderline personality disorder. This is because until they reach the age of 18. Many psychitrists diagnose 18+ teens with BPD if symptoms last at least a year. Personality disorders which include borderline personality disorder are difficult to diagnose. As people with a personality disorder lack vision into their thought patterns. When they seek help, it’s due to anxiety as a result of the problems including divorce or lost relationships.
Mental health professionals are having conversations about symptoms. They ask questions regarding histories of mental health conditions. They ask you about previous work history. Impulse control is another question that psychiatrists usually ask. They also work with the person’s family to collect insight into their behaviors.
What are the Treatments of Borderline Personality Disorder?
The treatment for BPD is a process that (BPD) involves the use therapy, medication as well as support. The treatment methods are following:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the foundation for BPD treatment. Psychotherapy called Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered to be the most effective. It is focused on emotional regulation as well as the ability to tolerate distress. Also, including interpersonal effectiveness as well as mindfulness. The Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) can be useful in this situation.
Medication
Medication treats mood fluctuations, anger and depression. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medicines are prescribed. But they’re not an individual treatment and we can take together with therapy.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is helpful for those suffering from BPD. It offers supportive space in sharing experiences.
Individual Therapy
Individual counseling assists in addressing personal issues. It also provides a place to focus on particular issues related to BPD.
Mindfulness and meditation
These methods are incorporated in therapy to assist people to become more conscious of their feelings.
Hospitalization
In severe instances, hospitalization is essential to protect the health of the person.
Self-help and self-care
Inspiring individuals to establish healthy routines that include exercise and food is important. Foods including Omega 3 help reduce borderline personality disorder. These foods including Salmon and other cold water fish, cod liver oil, walnuts. Moreover, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, flax seed and hemp seed also helpful.
Few Words
Remember that borderline personality disorder requires — medication and talk therapy. It’s important to see your psychiatrist on regular basis to check your symptoms. Know that your loved ones are there to support you. The family members with borderline personality disorder often experience depression, grief and loneliness. It’s also important to seek help from your loved ones if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
