Presented by BetterHelp.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition marked by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a distorted sense of self. Understanding and treating BPD can be challenging. However, with the right support and therapeutic interventions, people can lead fulfilling lives. This article explores BPD and its treatment options.
What is BPD?
BPD is a personality disorder that can significantly impact a person’s ability to regulate emotions, maintain relationships, and see themselves clearly. It often arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
It’s characterized by emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and intense episodes of depression, anger, and anxiety. Getting a proper diagnosis is often the first step toward managing the condition.
Symptoms of BPD
The symptoms of BPD can vary widely among individuals, but the common symptoms include:
- Severe fear of abandonment and efforts to avoid real or imagined separation
- A pattern of intense and unstable relationships
- Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image
- Emotional instability due to mood reactivity
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
- Transient, stress-related paranoid thoughts and deVere dissociative symptoms
- Impulsive behaviors in areas that are potentially self-damaging, such as spending sprees, unprotected sex, substance misuse, reckless driving, binge eating, and more
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Additionally, BPD can result in recurrent suicidal behaviors, gestures, or threats, or self-harming behavior. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
Treatment Options for BPD
Effective treatment for BPD often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support. It’s important to tailor the treatment to your individual needs. Here are some of the most commonly used and effective treatment options available:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – This evidence-based therapy is specifically designed for individuals with BPD. DBT centers around teaching skills to cope with emotional instability, improve interpersonal relationships, and manage distressing situations. To learn more about using DBT for BPD, visit this resource from BetterHelp.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT can help individuals identify and adjust negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It can be helpful for managing a variety of BPD symptoms, especially when it’s tailored to address an individual’s specific needs.
- Medication – While no medication specifically treats BPD, certain medications can help manage symptoms. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic drugs are commonly prescribed to alleviate mood swings, depression, and other co-occurring symptoms of BPD.
- Schema Therapy – This form of therapy combines elements of CBT with other therapeutic approaches. It’s designed to identify and change deep-rooted patterns or schemas that contribute to unhealthy behavior or relationships.
- Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) – MBT helps individuals understand their thoughts and feelings and those of others. It aims to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships through increased mentalization.
- Support Groups – Peer support groups (either in person or online) can provide a sense of community and understanding. They offer a safe space to talk about experiences and coping strategies. Group therapy, overseen by a therapist, can also be helpful for finding community. The difference is that group therapy has professional involvement, whereas support groups usually don’t.
Takeaway
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that BPD is treatable and symptom relief is possible. A combination of therapy alongside medications and support can offer significant improvements. It’s essential to work closely with professionals to tailor the treatment plan to your needs.
With patience, understanding, and the right treatment approach, people with BPD can achieve better emotional regulation, improved relationships, and a greater sense of self-worth. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, reaching out for professional help is typically the first step to getting relief.
