DEFINITION OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
An excellent definition of Borderline Personality Disorder is summarized by "Medicine Net," at http://www.MedicineNet.com. It is as follows: "A serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity."
SYMPTOMS OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
-Emotional instability or mood lability (up and down). Tend to be strongly reactive (e.g. long, intense periods of irritability, anxiety, or dysphoria). These reactions generally last a short while - a few hours or so, and do not usually last longer than a few days in duration.
-Identity or sense of self issues. Usually manifested by an ongoing unstable self image.
-Work at avoiding real or imagined abandonment. Tend to appear rather frazzled during these episodes.
-Are impulsive in at least two areas of the following ways - substance abuse, spending, out of control driving, and sex.
-Interpersonal relationships tend to be conflictual in nature. The relationships tend to alternate between idealizing the other person and degrading or hating them. The relationships are often brief and intense in nature.
-Feel empty most of the time, often leading to suicidal threats or gestures. Cutting or other self mutilation behaviors are also common.
-Difficulty with anger management - constant anger with many displays of anger outbursts (sometimes physical outbursts).
-dissociative symptoms (often stemming from a history of trauma) Examples of dissociative symptoms include a feeling of being "detached", depression and anxiety, blurred sense of identity, or derealization (a flawed perception about events or people). May be suspicious of others.
CAUSES OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
In short - there is no official known cause of Borderline Personality Disorder. Rather, it appears as though there are multiple causes.
The research suggests that there may be a chemical imbalance in the brain. Scientists are not certain if one specific region of the brain may be damaged. Doctors often treat people with medications for Anxiety or Depression, common disorders which accompany Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms.
There may also be a genetic link as Scientists have found that family members of people with Borderline personality disorder also have mental health issues such as Depression or Anxiety.
Also common for people with Borderline Personality Disorder is some form of childhood trauma (severe sexual, emotional, or physical abuse or neglect).
TREATMENT FOR BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)- One of the best treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder is DBT. DBT helps people learn alternative ways of coping with their challenging behaviors and emotions. In my own work as a Counselor, I have heard from many people that said the program was very helpful.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Another common treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms is CBT, which helps to alter the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and situation. CBT works at replacing negative thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions with more positive and healthy thoughts and behaviors.
Medications - Medications for Borderline Personality Disorder are used to treat the accompanying stress associated with Borderline Personality disorder. Depression, Anxiety, and thought disturbances are the most common disorders associated with BPD. Therefore, many anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications may be medications of choice. Anti-psychotic medications may be used to treat any distortions in thinking. Medications are not typically used alone.
Self Help For Borderline Personality Disorder
For an excellent self help treatment guide for treating Borderline Personality disorder, Click Here! These materials are very affordable and highly effective! It is called "Borderline and Beyond," and is a very useful guide.
In general, treatment for Borderline Personality is very difficult and takes time. However, the end results can be very positive! With the above treatments, people can learn to have and form healthy relationships.
SUPPORT GROUPS FOR BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Support Groups are also an excellent form of treatment and support for those experiencing Borderline Personality Disorder. They have a chance to meet others struggling with similar issues and can be understanding and supportive of one another in a safe environment.
Often these groups are led by a trained Counselor or facilitator to help guide the process. You can find support groups by checking online. If you already have a private Counselor, ask him or her for available support groups in your area. You can even call your local crisis line as they also have a list of available resources in your geographic area.
CRISIS LINES
Since one of the features of Borderline Personality Disorder is feeling intense anger or suicidality, it is good to have a crisis line number available. Crisis line hours are usually 24 hours/day, and they are particularly useful after hours when a therapist is not available. It is hoped that, before something impulsive occurs (i.e. cutting on themselves, reckless driving, drinking etc.), the person would call the crisis line to assist and support them through the episode until they can feel safe again. Crisis line phone numbers can be found in the local telephone book or online.
As I mentioned above, crisis lines have access to a wealth of mental health resources in your area. So you don't have to be in crisis to call them - you can simply call to inquire about available resources in your area.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
This is an excellent educational and support resource for people with Borderline Personality and for family members who want to learn how to help their loved ones. As a Counselor, I have given this number out hundreds of times and feel it is one of the best informative resources available. NAMI has a website, which can be found at http://www.NAMI.org. They have a hotline as well, which is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), if you prefer to call.
OTHER TYPES OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS
There are basically 10 different conditions which are categorized as Personality disorders and professionals lump these into the three categories. I will not expand on these in great detail here, but wanted to provide some information about these disorders to show where Borderline Personality Disorders fit in. They are as follows:
Cluster A: This refers to the Schizotypal, Paranoid, or Schizoid Personality disorders. The behaviors and mannerisms of the person appear strange, odd, or eccentric in nature.
Cluster B: This refers to the emotional behaviors, or dramatic behaviors, and include Anti-Social Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Cluster C: Includes OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Anxious Personality Disorder. These disorders have a nervous or anxious base to them. People with these disorders are also rather fearful.
Borderline Personality Disorder falls under the Cluster B category. There is no magical cure for any of the Personlity disorders, but medications and therapy have proven to be very effective.
