- Borderline personality disorder can cause rapid mood changes, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior.
- BPD symptoms can interfere with daily life and relationships, and may include intense emotions, loneliness, anger, and suicidal behaviors.
- Treatment usually involves therapy, and medication may be used when other conditions like depression or anxiety are present.
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by rapid mood changes, fear of being abandoned by friends or a partner, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors. It is also commonly referred to as BPD.
This is one of several types of personality disorders. Although it does not have one specific cause, there appears to be a genetic predisposition. Borderline personality disorder is also more common in people with a history of childhood maltreatment or parental alcohol abuse, for example.
If BPD is suspected, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Treatment usually involves therapy and may also include medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
BPD symptoms
Borderline personality disorder symptoms include:
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Rapid mood changes that can last for hours or days, shifting between anger, sadness, and anxiety
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Unstable identity, with frequent changes in values, goals, views about a professional career, sexual identity, and types of friends, for example
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Fear of being abandoned by a partner, friends, or family members
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Feelings of worthlessness, such as believing that a partner or friends do not care enough
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Impulsivity, such as gambling, uncontrolled spending, overeating, alcohol or drug misuse, and irresponsible activities
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Frequent anger that is hard to control, especially toward people they care about, often followed by feelings of shame and guilt
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Persistent feelings of loneliness
People with borderline personality disorder often fear losing control of their emotions. They may have difficulty coping with stressful situations and become highly dependent on others during these moments.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of borderline personality disorder can interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships.
People with BPD may have intense relationships, with feelings that can quickly shift between idealizing and devaluing the other person. In some cases, they may also have suicidal behaviors, especially if they feel they are being abandoned.
Online test
Take the following test to assess your risk of having borderline personality disorder:
This test is only a tool and is not meant to diagnose any condition or take the place of a consultation with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is made by a psychiatrist based on the person’s symptoms, behavior, and how these affect their personal and professional life.
An evaluation by other mental health professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, may also be recommended to help confirm the diagnosis. The doctor may also use specific assessments to check for the presence and/or severity of borderline personality disorder symptoms.
Possible causes
Borderline personality disorder does not have one specific cause, but there appears to be a genetic predisposition, especially when one parent is also affected.
Borderline personality disorder is also more common in people with a history of childhood maltreatment, neglect, separation from caregivers, family dysfunction, or parental alcohol or drug misuse, for example.
Main types
According to American psychologist Theodore Millon, there are some differences that influence the classification of borderline personality disorder into types.
Based on the symptoms present, borderline personality disorder may be described as:
- Impulsive borderline: Characterized by excitable behavior, distractibility, indecisiveness, and superficiality.
- Discouraged borderline: Characterized by isolation, introversion, and frequent feelings of danger or submissiveness.
- Self-destructive borderline: People with this type may experience anger, self-punishment, tension, and persistent bad moods.
- Petulant borderline: Characterized by passive-aggressive behavior, stubbornness, impatience, and pessimism.
However, according to the DSM-5-TR, which classifies mental health disorders, there are no official subtypes of borderline personality disorder, as these differences do not affect the diagnosis or treatment of this condition.
Treatment options
The main treatment for borderline personality disorder is psychotherapy, especially dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mentalization-based therapy (MBT), which can help people better manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
Medications are usually not effective for treating the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder. However, they may be recommended by a doctor when other psychiatric conditions are also present, such as depression or anxiety.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers. These medications should be used exactly as directed by the doctor.
Can borderline personality disorder be cured?
Borderline personality disorder has no cure. However, with appropriate treatment, symptoms can be managed and controlled.
Although some symptoms may remain throughout life, people tend to develop healthier relationships over time.