Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense mood swings and patterns of unstable and explosive emotions. If left untreated, it can lead to the development of other mental illnesses and significantly impact quality of life.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Untreated BPD can lead to an increased risk of self-harm and suicide.
75
of people diagnosed with BPD are assigned female at birth
50
Improvement rate for treated BPD over a 10-year period
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of BPD may vary in severity, but usually include some or all of the following:
- Fear of abandonment – real or imagined
- Viewing situations or people in extremes – as all good or all bad
- Distorted sense of self
- Impulsive, risky behaviors – like spending sprees, unsafe sex, binge eating, or reckless driving
- Self-injury or suicide threats
- Mood swings that can last hours or days
- Extreme anger
- Feelings of emptiness
- Pattern of unstable, intense relationships with friends and family
Causes
The exact cause of BPD is not known, but certain risk factors can contribute to its development:
- Genetics – if you have a diagnosed close family member, you may be more at risk
- Brain structure – there may be a difference the brains of people with BPD, specifically in the area that controls impulses and emotion regulation
- Traumatic or stressful childhood – many people diagnosed with BPD report abuse, abandonment, or childhood hardship
BPD is often diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood, and symptoms – which are usually most severe earlier in life – can lessen over time.
How We Can Help
If you think you may be suffering from BPD, you should seek help from a mental health professional. BPD is treatable but requires a strong commitment to accept help and work on identifying and changing behaviors.
MindGlow Health providers are experienced in treating BPD. Drawing on a vibrant legacy of nearly 25 years at the forefront of behavioral health excellence, our providers will work one on one with you to create a tailored program designed to treat your unique needs and concerns.
Talk Therapy Benefits
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. It focuses on acceptance of and mindfulness of your condition, while helping to control behaviors that may be negatively impacting relationships and your sense of self. Mindglow Health Providers may use other types of therapy, tools, and exercises to reduce symptoms, while recommending certain lifestyle changes to help you support your mental health journey.
All our therapists are licensed, qualified, and experienced mental health professionals.
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Medication Management
Although medication is not the main treatment for BPD, your provider may determine medication might help with specific symptoms or other underlying conditions, like anxiety or depression.
If medication is recommended to reduce symptoms and improve your mood, your therapist will work with our psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) to prescribe an appropriate medication as part of a unique program that works for you.
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