BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER – Here are the important things you need to know about this mental health condition.
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with others. It’s important to understand BPD to offer support and empathy to those who may be experiencing it.
The term “borderline” originally referred to individuals who were thought to be on the borderline between psychosis and neurosis. However, modern understanding recognizes BPD as a distinct disorder characterized by its own set of symptoms and challenges.
People with BPD often experience intense emotional ups and downs, including feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, and emptiness. These emotions can be triggered by various situations or interpersonal conflicts.
The causes of this mental health condition are not fully understood. However, biological, environmental, psychological, neurobiological, and gene-environment interactions are believed to contribute to the development of BPD:
SYMPTOMS
- They may feel happiness, sadness, anger, or anxiety more intensely than others.
- People with BPD may see others as either all good or all bad, leading to conflict and difficulty maintaining friendships and romantic partnerships.
- Individuals with BPD may struggle with understanding who they are, what they believe in, and what they want in life.
- Impulsivity is common in this mental health condition and can manifest in various ways, such as reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, self-harm, or risky behavior.
- They often have a deep fear of being abandoned or rejected by others.
- Many patients may struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
- Some of them may experience feeling numb, detached, or as if they are observing themselves from outside their own body.
TREATMENT
While living with BPD can be challenging, it is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy, especially dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is often recommended as the primary treatment for BPD. DBT helps individuals learn coping skills to manage their emotions, improve relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or impulsivity. Individuals with BPD need to work closely with mental health professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and challenges.