Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that many individuals struggle to understand due to its complexity.
People with this disorder may seek close relationships but struggle with them due to impulsivity, fear of abandonment, and unstable emotions.
At Dr. Quintal & Associates in Lakewood Ranch, FL, we have skilled therapists to help you cope with and get treatment for borderline personality disorder. Look no further than us for a comprehensive wellness plan that tackles your specific mental health concerns. Whether you seek an accurate diagnosis or effective treatment, our therapists bring compassion and guidance to every appointment.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
What is borderline personality disorder? BPD is a disorder that disrupts your self-image and relationships and influences your daily actions due to these issues. Borderline personality disorder may begin in childhood or adolescence and worsen from poor attachments as individuals age.
You should seek treatment if you have symptoms of BPD and poor coping mechanisms. Due to the higher correlation between self-harming and impulsive behaviors with BPD, risks for suicide also increase. You may also struggle with depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?
Although many wonder, “What is borderline personality disorder?” few understand its cause. While mental health experts typically know what causes symptoms of personality disorders, they’re still unsure about what causes borderline personality disorder. Many professionals believe a mix of genetics, brain development issues, social interactions, and your environment may cause the illness.
If you’ve suffered from unstable relationships with family your entire life, have been neglected or abused, or live with parents that use illegal substances, you may have a higher chance of developing BPD.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Symptoms of BPD include chronic emptiness, a shifting identity, significant anger issues, an inability to maintain healthy relationships, and a fear of real or imagined abandonment. Other symptoms include self-harm or suicide attempts, temporary paranoia, rapid mood swings, and risky behaviors. Some patients mention even rarer symptoms, such as borderline personality disorder obsession.
Fear of Abandonment
Whether it’s real or perceived, individuals with BPD strongly fear abandonment and may act out in desperation to avoid this betrayal. This fear can lead to clinginess or avoidance.
Impulsive Behavior
Gambling, speeding, unprotected sex, and excessive substance use are among the most common impulsive behaviors of those with BPD. Fear of abandonment may cause someone to impulsively end a relationship without giving it a fair shot.
Unstable Relationships
People with BPD shift between idealizing and devaluing friends, family, and significant others. Turmoil in these areas may lead to individuals struggling life-long to maintain healthy relationships.
Frequent, Intense Rage
Extreme anger issues are another core facet of BPD. Individuals may have inappropriate, intense anger responses to trivial matters.
Depending on which of the borderline personality disordered types you have, you may internalize anger or act it out. Perceived abandonment or rejection may cause this rage.
Self-Harm or Suicide Attempts
People with BPD may engage in self-harm or attempt suicide. This symptom is separate from their efforts to avoid abandonment.
Rapid Mood Swings
Your mood may change rapidly over hours or days if you have BPD. You may experience heightened anxiety, depression, happiness, or other emotions.
Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis for a borderline personality complex, mental health professionals will discuss your physical health history and current physical and mental symptoms. Some may require you to complete an assessment. You must meet five out of nine diagnostic criteria to qualify for a BPD diagnosis.
Borderline Personality Disorder Example Treatment
While the borderline personality disorder definition means the condition is incurable, many patients see symptom improvements with psychotherapy. Some individuals note that with consistent treatment for personality disorder issues, their BPD symptoms lessen, and they no longer fall under the diagnostic criteria.
What is borderline personality disorder treatment? Options include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and schema-focused therapy. These talk therapies arm patients with healthy coping tools to improve their emotion management skills.
Some medications may be suitable for those with BPD to treat comorbid illnesses. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are among the most typical. It’s also not uncommon to enter inpatient therapy for borderline personality disorder.
Finding a Therapist For Borderline Personality Disorder
Whether you have specific questions regarding “What is borderline personality disorder?” or you seek personality disorders treatment, look no further than Dr. Quintal & Associates in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Contact us today at 1 (914) 907-0525
