Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition characterized by difficulties regulating emotion. This means that people who experience BPD feel emotions intensely and for extended periods of time, and it is harder for them to return to a stable baseline after an emotionally triggering event. Show This difficulty can lead to impulsivity, poor self-image, stormy relationships and intense emotional responses to stressors. Struggling with self-regulation can also result in dangerous behaviors such as self-harm (e.g. cutting). It’s estimated that 1.4% of the adult U.S. population experiences BPD. Nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are women. Recent research suggests that men may be equally affected by BPD, but are commonly misdiagnosed with PTSD or depression. SymptomsPeople with BPD experience wide mood swings and can feel a great sense of instability and insecurity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic framework, some key signs and symptoms may include:
CausesThe causes of BPD are not fully understood, but scientists agree that it is the result of a combination of factors, including:
DiagnosisThere is no definitive medical test to diagnose BPD, and a diagnosis is not based on one specific sign or symptom. BPD is best diagnosed by a mental health professional following a comprehensive clinical interview that may include talking with previous clinicians, reviewing previous medical evaluations and, when appropriate, interviews with friends and family. TreatmentAn effective treatment plan should include your preferences while also addressing any other co-existing conditions you may have. Examples of treatment options include psychotherapy; medications; and group, peer and family support. The overarching goal of treatment is for a person with BPD to increasingly self-direct their own treatment plan as they learn what works and what doesn’t.
Related ConditionsBPD can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and successful treatment includes addressing any other conditions a person might have. Many with BPD also experience additional conditions like:
Reviewed December 2017 Who is most likely to develop borderline personality disorder?As a result, almost all people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are above the age of 18. Although anyone can develop BPD, it's more common if you have a family history of BPD. People with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or eating disorders, are also at higher risk.
Are people born with borderline personality disorder?Genetics A person's genetics are a big factor in whether he or she experiences BPD. “Studies show anywhere from 49 to 65 percent of the development of BPD is genetic in nature,” says Dr. Riggenbach.
What are the warning signs of borderline personality disorder?Signs and symptoms. Fear of abandonment. People with BPD are often terrified of being abandoned or left alone. ... . Unstable relationships. ... . Unclear or shifting self-image. ... . Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. ... . Self-harm. ... . Extreme emotional swings. ... . Chronic feelings of emptiness. ... . Explosive anger.. Are you born with BPD or does it develop?But borderline personality disorder does not develop as a result of those traumas. Instead, it is a combination of genetic factors and childhood experiences (early environmental influences) that cause a person to develop borderline personality disorder.
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