Borderline Personality Disorder, briefly known as BPD, is a complex, pervasive state of mind in the form of behavioural instability, aberrant moods, and instability of self-image and interpersonal relations. Symptoms are mainly typical and have negative impacts on one's personal life, employment, and sense of self, including intense emotions, a fear of abandonment, and impulsiveness, among others. This condition ordinarily begins in early adulthood, and symptoms often manifest themselves in recurring episodes of intensely fluctuating emotions, inappropriate and unstable relationships, and destructive or impulsive acts, such as substance abuse or self-mutilation.
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
The precise causes of BPD are not clearly understood. However, it has been gathered that the contribution of a potential combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors might be part of the origin. There are several vital causes, which include the following.
1. Genetics
BPD is heritable, meaning that there is more susceptibility to the disorder in people with a family history. Studies also reveal that genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing BPD by up to 50%.
2. Brain Structure and Function
Differences in brain structure, such as in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex regions, were documented in patients with BPD. The nature of these alterations may influence emotion regulation and stress reactivity in BPD subjects.
3. Childhood Trauma and Abuse
Some patients with BPD reported traumatic experiences during childhood, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or separation from an attachment figure. Such traumatic experiences could potentially have devastating effects on the development of emotion and attachment that contribute to the symptoms of BPD.
4. Environmental Factors
Unfavourable or toxic conditions at critical development phases might contribute to BPD development. Some of these contributing factors include prolonged periods of stress, adverse family dynamics, and harmful influences from role models.
Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of BPD vary widely but are generally concentrated on emotional regulation issues as well as interpersonal issues. The primary symptoms include:
1. Emotional Instability
The symptoms of BPD range from short spurts of emotional state for a few hours to days, whereby a person experiences rapid changes in moods while showing extreme anger, sadness, or anxiety over trivial events.
2. Fear of Abandonment
A fundamental feature of BPD is an intense fear of abandonment, either actual or imagined. This can lead to frantic attempts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, including clinging to others, a need to be over-dependent, or inappropriate acting-out behaviours to prevent abandonment.
3. Unstable Relationships
The BPD client often has short-lived but intense relationships. They often idealize and may suddenly devalue a particular individual. Usually, this may result in a pattern of unstable and chaotic relationships.
4. Distortion of Self-Concept
The BPD client often has a vague or shifting sense of self. It might be empty or unclear, resulting in spontaneous goals, values, or behaviour shifts.
5. Impulsive Behaviors
Another characteristic of BPD is impulsiveness, where individuals engage in dangerous activities such as substance use, reckless driving, or binge eating. It can also be manifested as self-destructive behaviour or even suicidal behaviour.
6. Chronic Emptiness
Individuals with BPD describe themselves as empty within. Therefore, they struggle to undertake specific actions or preserve substantial relationships.
7. Intense Anger
Episodes of inappropriate, intense anger or an inability to control anger are widespread in people with BPD. They may be verbally or physically aggressive or hold chronic resentment.
Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD is a treatable disorder, and appropriate treatment helps individuals manage their symptoms and live productive lives. Treatment includes:
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is an adaptation of cognitive-behavioral therapy suitable for treating individuals diagnosed with BPD. It enables one to master the art of controlling emotions, change suicidal behaviours, and develop interpersonal connections.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One can use CBT to treat distorted thinking patterns as well as the behaviours that contribute to the symptoms of BPD. Its principle is to identify and modify the negative thought pattern.
Schema-Focused Therapy: This therapy involves the identification and modification of deeply ingrained schemas or life patterns that can contribute to the individual's distress.
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): MBT aims to improve a patient's ability to better understand and interpret their emotions and those of others.
Medication
While there isn't a medication prescribed explicitly for BPD, some medications can help control symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. These include the following:
Antidepressants (SSRIs)
Mood stabilizers
Antipsychotics
Hospitalization
Hospitalization would be essential as an optimum way to keep the patient away from harm and ultimately take control of their state of affairs if, in a severe case, there is the threat of self-harm or even suicide.
Group Therapy and Support Groups
Support groups and group therapy are significant to patients suffering from BPD. They help them feel a sense of belonging, decrease their isolation, and allow them to learn from others with similar conditions.
Managing BPD in Daily Life
The skills of coping strategies can facilitate the lives of those diagnosed with BPD.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques include actions that help regulate emotions and allow for fewer impulsive reactions.
Healthy Routine: Regular sleep and exercise routines can facilitate emotional stability.
Communication skills: Knowing how to communicate in a relationship effectively can limit misunderstandings and conflicts.
Conclusion
Borderline Personality Disorder is a tricky condition, when applied in various aspects of life, affecting the person emotionally and behaviorally and even in relationships. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options would help the person with BPD to have better control over their condition and live a very fulfilling life. Proper therapy, medications, and coping strategies can help them improve their emotional regulation, develop stronger relationships, and ensure their overall well-being.
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