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BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Mental Health, Psychological Disorders, Uncategorized / By

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER 

A borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness marked by a longstanding pattern of unstable interpersonal relationship, an unstable sense of self, extreme emotions and behavior.

  • People with borderline personality may suffer intense episodes of anger, overly strong emotional responses to upsetting life events and often try to hurt themselves.
  • This instability often affects family and work life, long-term planning and an individual’s sense of identity.
  • The disorder is more common in females than in males, with 75% of cases involving female
  • Among 80% of people suffering from the disorder display self-harm and suicidal behaviors, including suicide attempts, cutting themselves, and burning themselves.
  • Approximately 10% of people suffering from the disorder die by suicide.
  • The disorder usually begins in early adulthood.
  • Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other psychological problems, particularly bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse.
  • A study funded by the National Institute of Mental health shows that people with the disorder who do not receive treatment are more likely to develop other chronic medical or mental illnesses as well as less likely to make healthy lifestyle choices

CAUSES

  • Genetics- the heritability of the disorder has been estimated at 40%.
  • Brain abnormalities – some studies have shown structural and functional impairment in the brain especially the region responsible for controlling impulse and emotion regulation

Risk factors may include

  • Childhood trauma including sexual or physical abuse.
  • It has also been suggested that children who suffer chronic early maltreatment and attachment difficulties may go on to develop the disorder.
  • If either your mother, father, brother, sister has the same or a similar disorder, you may be at a higher risk.

SYMPTOMS

  • Poor self-image
  • Impulsive and risky behavior such as, substance or alcohol abuse, gambling, reckless driving, eating disorders, unprotected sex, reckless spending, sabotaging success by ending a positive relationship, indiscriminate sex with multiple sex partner.
  • An ongoing feeling of emptiness
  • Problems managing anger or unpleasant behavior such as frequently losing temper, or having physical fights
  • Wide mood swing that can last from a few hours to a few days including extreme happiness, anxiety, shame or irritability usually in response to stressful events or relationships
  • Suicidal behavior or self-harm in response to fear of separation or rejection
  • An intense fear of abandonment or making frantic efforts to feel abandoned
  • A pattern of unstable, intense relationships
  • Paranoia
  • Distortion in thoughts and sense of self-leading to frequent changes in long-term goals, career plan goals, jobs, or friendship

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The diagnosis of the disorder is based on a clinical assessment by a mental health professional

In general, personality disorder is diagnosed based on the following:

  • A detailed interview with your doctor or mental health provider
  • Discussion of your signs and symptoms
  • Psychological evaluation that may include completing questionnaires
  • Medical history and exam to rule out other possible cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid condition or substance abuse
TREATMENT

Treatment can help the patient learn skill to cope with the condition and live a more stable, rewarding life. It is also of great importance to get treated for any other mental health disorder that occurs along with borderline personality disorder such as depression or substance abuse.

The first line of treatment for people with borderline personality disorder is psychotherapy. The goal of psychotherapy may include learning about the disorder and the skills to manage uncontrollable emotions.

Different type of psychotherapy has been found to be helpful and your therapist may adapt the type that best suits your need. They include dialectical behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, mentalization-based therapy, transference-focused therapy, and general psychiatric management.

Medications may help with symptoms such as depression, aggression or anxiety

Hospitalization in psychiatric hospital or clinic may be needed in extreme cases. This may keep the patient safe from self-harm and address suicidal behaviors.