Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way one thinks and feels about himself / herself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships. With borderline personality disorder, one has an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and one may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships. Borderline personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood. The condition seems to be worse in young adulthood and may gradually get better with age. The signs and symptoms may include:
·- An intense fear of abandonment, even going to extreme measures to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection
- A pattern of unstable intense relationships, such as idealizing someone one moment and then suddenly believing the person doesn't care enough or is cruel
- Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that include shifting goals and values, and seeing yourself as bad or as if you don't exist at all
- Periods of stress-related paranoia and loss of contact with reality, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours
- Impulsive and risky behavior, such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, spending sprees, binge eating or drug abuse, or sabotaging success by suddenly quitting a good job or ending a positive relationship
- Suicidal threats or behavior or self-injury, often in response to fear of separation or rejection
As with other mental health disorders, the causes of borderline personality disorder aren't fully understood. 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.
- Brain abnormalities. Some research has shown changes in certain areas of the brain involved in emotion regulation, impulsivity and aggression. In addition, certain brain chemicals that help regulate mood, such as serotonin, may not function properly.
Borderline personality disorder can damage many areas of one’s life. It can negatively affect intimate relationships, jobs, school, social activities and self-image, resulting in repeated job changes or losses, not completing an education, multiple legal issues, conflict-filled relationships, self injury, unplanned pregnancies, attempted or completed suicide
A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is usually made in adults, not in children or teenagers. That's because what appear to be signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder may go away as children get older and become more mature. It is based on a detailed interview with the doctor, psychological evaluation, discussion of signs and symptoms.
Treatment
Borderline personality disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy, but medication may be added. The doctor also may recommend hospitalization.
Treatment can help learn skills to manage and cope with the condition. It's also necessary to get treated for any other mental health disorders that often occur along with borderline personality disorder, such as depression or substance misuse. With treatment, one can feel better and live a more stable, rewarding life.
Psychotherapy is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder. The therapist may adapt the type of therapy to best meet the patient’s needs. The goals of psychotherapy are to help one:
- Focus on the current ability to function.
- Learn to manage emotions that feel uncomfortable.
- Reduce impulsiveness by helping the patient observe feelings rather than acting on them.
- Work on improving relationships by being aware of the patient’s feelings and those of others
- Learn about borderline personality disorder.
Learning to manage emotions, thoughts and behaviors takes time. Most people improve considerably, but some may always struggle with some symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
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