Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Key Symptoms and Treatments

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can feel like an emotional whirlwind, where intense feelings seem to come out of nowhere, and relationships can be incredibly volatile. People with BPD often experience extreme emotions, fear of abandonment, and a sense of emptiness that can be difficult to manage. 

These challenges can lead to misunderstandings and struggles in personal and professional relationships. However, BPD is more than just mood swings or challenging behavior—it’s an actual mental health condition that requires understanding and support.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key symptoms of BPD, from emotional instability to impulsive actions, and dive into the treatment options that can help those affected lead fulfilling lives. Here is the complete guide on what BPD is and what its BPD symptoms are. Continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that causes intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. People with BPD often experience a deep fear of being abandoned and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly anger. They may also engage in risky behaviors like reckless driving or threatening self-harm, which can make it hard for them to maintain healthy relationships.

BPD is part of a group of mental health disorders known as “Cluster B” personality disorders, which are characterized by dramatic and unpredictable behaviors. These disorders are long-term and involve patterns of behavior that are rigid and cause ongoing social and emotional challenges.

Many people with BPD may not even realize they have it, and they might not know that there are healthier ways to interact with others and manage their emotions.

Key Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) typically starts to show signs in your late teens or early adulthood. Stressful life events can trigger or intensify symptoms but may lessen or disappear over time.

BPD symptoms may vary significantly in terms of severity, ranging from mild to severe, and can include:

• Fear of Abandonment: People with BPD often feel uneasy when alone. They might fear abandonment or neglect and experience intense anger or stress in response. It may lead to behaviors like checking up on loved ones, controlling them from leaving, or pushing others away to avoid potential rejection.
• Unstable Relationships: BPD can make it challenging to maintain stable, healthy relationships. Those with the disorder often shift from idealizing others to degrading them, causing relationships with friends, family, and partners to feel unexpected and chaotic.
• Unstable Self-Image: People with BPD often struggle with an unclear or distorted sense of who they are, frequently feeling guilty, ashamed, or viewing themselves as “bad.” It can lead to dramatic changes in goals, opinions, careers, friendships, and self-sabotaging behavior, like failing deliberately or ruining relationships.
• Rapid Mood Swings: Emotions can shift rapidly for those with BPD. They may experience intense anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, or love in a short amount of time. These emotional shifts are usually severe but brief, often lasting only a few hours or days.
• Impulsive and Risky Behavior: People with BPD may encounter reckless actions like dangerous driving, substance abuse, binge eating, or risky sexual behavior.
• Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning, may occur, often triggered by feelings of abandonment or disappointment. Suicidal thoughts may also arise in response to emotional pain.
• Feelings of Emptiness: Many individuals with BPD experience a persistent sense of emptiness, along with sadness, boredom, or feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing.
• Anger Issues: Managing anger can be challenging for those with BPD, who may lash out with sarcasm, bitterness, or outbursts. Feelings of shame and guilt typically follow these episodes.
• Temporary Paranoia: Stress, especially around fears of abandonment, can trigger paranoid ideas or dissociation, sometimes even hallucinations. However, these are usually brief and not severe enough to be considered a separate disorder.

Not everyone with BPD will have all these BPD symptoms, and the way they manifest can differ significantly from one person to another, both in intensity and duration.

Causes Factors for Borderline Personality Disorder

Healthcare providers believe that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) arises from a mix of factors, including:

1. Childhood Abuse and Trauma: Many people with BPD have experienced some form of abuse in childhood, whether it’s physical, emotional, or sexual. Other childhood challenges, like being separated from a mother, poor emotional bonds with parents, unclear family boundaries, or having parents with substance use issues, are also linked to the development of BPD.
2. Genetics: BPD can spread in families. If someone in your family has BPD, you may be more likely to develop it, though it’s not guaranteed.
3. Brain Changes: In individuals with BPD, certain areas of the brain that control emotions and behavior may not function as they should. It can affect how the brain processes and reacts to emotions.
4. Environmental Factors: The environment you grow up in can increase your risk of developing BPD. Suppose you’re exposed to a long-term stressful environment, especially with a history of childhood trauma like abuse, bullying, or sexual assault, combined with genetic factors. In that case, it can contribute to the development of BPD.

Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder

Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can sometimes be tricky, and many people living with the condition may not receive an accurate diagnosis. For instance, there’s a significant difference in the number of women and men diagnosed with BPD, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Some professionals qualified to diagnose BPD with the treatment that includes:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Clinical social workers

To diagnose BPD, a mental health expert will usually:

• Interview to discuss your signs and emotional health
• Ask about your family’s medical history, including mental health issues

Diagnosing BPD can be challenging since it comes with different mental health problems like stress or anxiety. For example, depression symptoms may overlap the signs of BPD, which can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis.

Effective Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder

Your mental health professional might suggest Borderline Personality Disorder Therapies (BPD), which could include psychotherapy, medication, or, in more severe cases, hospitalization.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is usually the borderline personality treatment. Some common types your therapist might recommend include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It helps you identify and change unhealthy beliefs and behaviors. It can help you cope with feelings like anger, insecurity, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts by teaching healthier ways to respond.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT helps you understand, accept, and manage your emotions and behaviors. It also teaches you how to respond more calmly to the actions of others.
• Schema-Focused Therapy: This therapy encourages you to see yourself and the world positively, challenging negative thought patterns.

Medication: While medication doesn’t cure BPD, it can help manage symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe medicines alongside therapy to address mood changes or depression. Some common medications include:

• Antidepressants for depression
• Antipsychotics for aggressive symptoms
• Antianxiety medications for anxiety

If you experience side effects from your medication, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a different medication or adjust your treatment plan.

Hospitalization: If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend a temporary hospital stay for borderline personality treatment. It’s important to remember that there’s no shame in seeking hospital care—taking steps to get the treatment you or a loved one needs is a crucial part of self-care.

Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Changes

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be challenging, but with the right coping strategies and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Here are some practical ways to help:

• Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Mindfulness practices, like meditation, can help you stay present, which reduces emotional reactions and improves emotional control. Grounding exercises—focusing on your breath or using your five senses—can also help during emotional distress.
• Routine and Structure: A regular daily routine brings stability and minimizes feelings of chaos. Scheduling meals, sleep, and work can provide a sense of control, which is essential for emotional balance.
• Healthy Relationships: Building and nurturing supportive relationships is crucial. Setting boundaries and practicing open communication can reduce emotional triggers and help manage conflicts.
• Exercise and Nutrition: Physical health is very important in mental well-being. Regular exercise, like yoga or walking, and a balanced diet can improve mood and reduce stress.
• Therapy and Support Groups: Ongoing therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helps you develop healthier coping mechanisms. Support groups also provide a sense of connection with others who understand the challenges of BPD.

Making these strategies and lifestyle changes part of your daily routine can significantly improve your ability to manage BPD and find more excellent emotional stability and peace.

Finding Hope with the Right Treatment

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be challenging, but with the proper treatment and support, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment can make a huge difference in managing the emotional ups and downs and relational challenges that come with BPD. As soon as help is found, individuals can understand their emotions and build healthy coping strategies.

If you think you or someone you know may have BPD symptoms, seeking professional help is an important step. A mental health expert at Insight Choices can provide an accurate diagnosis and help create a personalized treatment plan. With therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), support from loved ones, and some lifestyle changes, those living with borderline personality disorder therapies can see significant improvements. Remember, a brighter future is within reach with the proper support and tools.

Contact Insight Choices (help@insightchoices.com) today to get the help you deserve and start your journey toward emotional well-being.

FAQs

What are the most common symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Common symptoms include rapid mood swings, trouble with relationships, fear of being abandoned, impulsive actions, feelings of emptiness, and emotional instability.

How is Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosed, and who should I consult for a diagnosis?

BPD is diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, through assessments and interviews that explore symptoms and behaviors. If you’re concerned, finding professional help at Insight Choices is the first step.

What are the most effective therapies for treating Borderline Personality Disorder?

Considered as the most effective therapy in BPD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT helps individuals learn how to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.

Can medication help manage the symptoms of BPD, and what type of medications are typically used?

While there’s no specific medication for BPD, medicines like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

What lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help someone with BPD lead a more balanced life?

Mindfulness practices, a stable routine, healthy relationships, regular exercise, and ongoing therapy are all helpful strategies for managing symptoms and promoting a more balanced life. If BPD affects your life or someone you care about, contact Insight Choices today for support and guidance on the next steps.