Borderline personality disorder

, and self-harming behavior. About 1–4% of the population will develop BPD at some time in their lives. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with BPD. People with BPD experience strong, negative emotions can that can be difficult to manage.

They also have difficulty relating to other people and the world around them. Difficulties that people with BPD may experience include:

• self-harm
• suicidal ideation. People living with BPD may show behavior that seems extreme
• such as intense changes in mood
• repeated self-harm

There may be a variety of reasons for such behavior. Many of these behaviors occur in an attempt to deal with strong, negative emotions and thought patterns. Many people living with BPD struggle to regulate their emotions and thought patterns, and may turn to ways of coping that often have negative consequences in the long-term.

They are often dismissed as ‘attention-seeking’ or manipulation.

However, these behaviors are symptoms of the disorder and require professional help.

Family and other carers of people with BPD also need education and support. The causes of BPD are not fully understood, but may involve a combination of: and environmental factors – for example, the person may have experienced trauma or loss. Traumatic experiences in early life are very common in people living with BPD.

BPD Treatment can help people manage, reduce or even eliminate symptoms of BPD. Treatment is often long-term and is best when provided by who are trained in treatments for BPD. Currently, the most effective treatments for BPD are:

• – a mental health professional talks with the person about their symptoms
• they discuss ways to cope with them

Evidence-based psychological therapies for people living with BPD include dialectical behavioral therapy, schema therapy, mentalization-based therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive analytic therapy. – there is no medication that specifically treats symptoms of BPD, but medication may help reduce associated symptoms such as depression.

Treatment can usually be provided in the community#

However, if a person living with BPD is at risk of harming themselves or others, they might need to stay in hospital in the short-term. It’s also important for people living with BPD to look after their physical health through a trusted doctor.

Many people also benefit from accessing peer support services and support groups#

BPD often occurs with: abuse.

Treatment and supports should be personalized to the individual#

Sometimes this might mean prioritizing one area over another.

For example, if a person is experiencing a depressive episode and is suicidal, it is important to focus on keeping that person safe before focusing on underlying concerns.

Help Center. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a type of mental health condition. People with BPD experience distressing emotional states, difficulty with relationships Symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) near-constant, overwhelming emotional pain feelings of emptiness idealizing or devaluing other people fear of abandonment impulsive or risky behaviors – such as spending sprees or engaging in unsafe sex or substance abuse intense outbursts of anger difficulties with self-image and self-esteem ‘Extreme’ behavior and BPD Extreme behaviors in relationships are often efforts to manage anxiety Causes of BPD trauma biological factors – for example, structural and functional changes in the brain Treatment can reduce BPD symptoms mental health professionals Current effective treatments for BPD psychotherapy medication Treatment of associated conditions suicidality post-traumatic stress disorder mood disorders (for example, bipolar disorder and depression ) eating disorders alcohol or drug

Where to get help#

Key Points#

• However, these behaviors are symptoms of the disorder and require professional help
• Traumatic experiences in early life are very common in people living with BPD
• Treatment is often long-term and is best when provided by who are trained in treatments for BPD
• Treatment can usually be provided in the community
• It’s also important for people living with BPD to look after their physical health through a trusted doctor