Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

General

Personality disorder defines a group of psychiatric disorders. Patients with personality disorders have dysfunctional emotional or behavioral coping mechanisms with the environment, resulting in distress repeatedly throughout their lives. Although there is no single cause for personality disorders, both genetic and environmental (mainly psychological) factors are involved. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is marked by a pattern of emotional instability, impulsive behavior, distorted self-image, and unstable relationships. Those affected often engage in self-harm and other dangerous behavior. They may also struggle with a feeling of emptiness, fear of abandonment, and detachment from reality.

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Signs & symptoms

BPD is characterized by the following signs and symptoms: * unstable self-image or self-identity. * Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, and extreme reactions to such * a pattern of unstable relationships and alternating between idealizing and devaluing others in relationships. * Splitting ("black-and-white" thinking) * Impulsive or reckless behaviors (e.g. impulsive or uncontrollable spending, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating) * a history of suicidal or Self-damaging behavior * Intense or uncontrollable emotional reactions that are disproportionate to the event or situation * mood swings * feelings of emptiness * Dissociation * BPD is Frequently accompanied by depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made via a psychiatric assessment, conducted by a psychiatrist – a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. This assessment includes questioning, physical exams, cognitive exams, and other tests that might exclude other diseases or conditions.

Treatment

Treatment may include: * Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) * medications such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotic drugs – these do not cure PBD but may relieve symptoms. * If severe symptoms or suicidal behavior are present, a temporary hospitalization may be recommended.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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