Borderline personality disorder is an illness that makes your emotions feel difficult to cope with. It can affect your relationships with other people. Around 1 in 100 people have BPD. It is believed to affect men and women equally, though women are more likely to be given this diagnosis. Show
It is called ‘borderline’ because doctors previously thought that it was on the border between two different disorders: neurosis and psychosis. But these terms are no longer used to describe mental illness. It is sometimes called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD). Everyone’s experiences of BPD are different, but you may have problems with:
You need to experience 5 symptoms to get a diagnosis of BPD. Some people feel that the name of the condition labels or insults them. However, doctors don’t use this term to make you feel judged or to suggest the illness if your fault. It only describes the way the illness develops. OverviewBorderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself 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, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you 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. If you have borderline personality disorder, don't get discouraged. Many people with this disorder get better over time with treatment and can learn to live satisfying lives. SymptomsBorderline personality disorder affects how you feel about yourself, how you relate to others and how you behave. Signs and symptoms may include:
When to see a doctorIf you're aware that you have any of the signs or symptoms above, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider. If you have suicidal thoughtsIf you have fantasies or mental images about hurting yourself or have other suicidal thoughts, get help right away by taking one of these actions:
If you notice signs or symptoms in a family member or friend, talk to that person about seeing a doctor or mental health provider. But you can't force someone to seek help. If the relationship causes you significant stress, you may find it helpful to see a therapist yourself. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus
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that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesAs 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:
Risk factorsSome factors related to personality development can increase the risk of developing borderline personality disorder. These include:
ComplicationsBorderline personality disorder can damage many areas of your life. It can negatively affect intimate relationships, jobs, school, social activities and self-image, resulting in:
In addition, you may have other mental health disorders, such as:
What was the old name for borderline personality disorder?It is called 'borderline' because doctors previously thought that it was on the border between two different disorders: neurosis and psychosis. But these terms are no longer used to describe mental illness. It is sometimes called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).
What is the new name for personality disorder?Emotional Intensity Disorder a Popular Choice among Patients
In a survey, the following names were nominated by clinicians and patients as possible substitutes for Borderline Personality Disorder: Emotional Regulation Disorder. Emotional Dysregulation Disorder. Emotional Intensity Disorder.
Why did they change the name of BPD?People with borderline personality disorder are often treated as if they have a personality flaw, rather than mental health issues stemming from trauma. These mental health researchers say it's time we change the disorder's name.
What are the five types of borderline personality disorder?In response to this problem, Oldham proposed five types of BPD: affective, impulsive, aggressive, dependent and empty.
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