What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Most people at some point in their life face mood swings that are sometimes unexplained. While this is normal, at times these mood swings may indicate underlying mental heath issues. In instances of severe and constant unexplained mood swings, combined with some other symptoms it might be Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD.
Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD is a mental health issue that is characterized by severe mood swings, emotional instability or impulsive behaviour. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships. There are intense feelings of fear of abandonment while simultaneously finding it hard to be alone.
Borderline personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood and may gradually get better with age.
What are the symptoms of BPD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM states that of these symptoms, any five are mandatory to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. If you frantically try to avoid abandonment, you have a pattern of unstable relationships, you struggle with self identity or self image issues, your impulsiveness is self damaging more than helpful, you have a history of self harm, you have frequent mood swings, uncontrollable or irrational anger, you experience paranoia or dissociation – you may have Borderline Personality Disorder.
Why does it happen?
Borderline Personality Disorder like most other mental health disorders doesn’t have a direct relation to any cause in particular. However, there are some factors that may increase the likeliness of the disorder to occur in people. Genetics for example, play a role in determining whether someone may have BPD. Researchers suggest that BPD may be hereditary, especially in twins. Other research also suggests that brain abnormalities associated with emotion regulation and impulsiveness and aggression may cause BPD. Abnormalities in brain chemicals such as serotonin which control mood are also contributors. Some studies indicate that a stressful childhood may also lead to BPD by influencing self worth, self identity and self image.
How can you cope with BPD?
BPD can be treated by a mental health professional through various different methods –
Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and schema-focused therapy are the most common forms of psychotherapy suggested by mental health professionals. CBT helps in identifying and changing unhealthy beliefs, behaviors, and inaccurate perceptions you may have about yourself or others. It also teaches you healthier ways to react when you feel angry, insecure, anxious, or suicidal. DBT helps with recognizing and accepting your beliefs and behaviors and healthy responses to these behaviours. Schema-focused therapy helps in viewing yourself and the world in a more positive way.
Medication: Antidepressants, anti – psychotics and anti- anxiety medication are the most commonly prescribed medicines since they help with mood swings, impulse reactions, feelings of lonliness and abandonment. Medication has proved extremely effective for most people though its side effects like weight gain, dependency and the like may cause collateral issues.
Hospitalization: Though this is usually the last option, in cases of self harm, harm to others, or suicidal ideation, hospitalization may be recommended by doctors and mental health professionals.
Borderline Personality is not an untreatable disorder like many believe, with the right support systems in place and by seeking help at the right time you may be able to overcome BPD.
Caption: An insight into borderline personality disorder and why it happens.
Tags: Mental Health, Personality disorder, BDP, What is BDP, Borderline Personality Disorder