Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- BPD is a type of personality disorder also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder
(EUPD), characterized by patterns of emotional instability, impulsive behavior, distorted self-image,
and unstable relationships
- In the United States, BPD occurs in ~1.6% of adults
- Although the exact cause is still debated, there are multiple contributing factors:
o Genetics – BPD may have a genetic background, highlighted by twin studies
o Environmental factors – growing up in unstable, abusive, neglectful environments may
increase risk
o Serotonin abnormalities – abnormalities in serotonin production may be involved in the risk
of developing BPD
- Those at risk of BPD:
o Individuals who have family members with BPD
o Individuals who have felt emotionally unstable or vulnerable as children
o People in the household were impulsive
o Individuals who were emotionally abused as children
- Symptoms of BPD include:
o Frantically avoiding real or imaginary abandonment
o Patterns of unstable relationships, alternating between idealizing and devaluing others in a
relationship
o Unstable self-image or self-identity
o Acting impulsively in at least 2 areas of one’s life, in ways that can be self-damaging, e.g.,
impulsive spending, abusing substances
o History of suicidal or self-mutilating behaviour
o Frequent mood swings, usually lasting a few hours and sometimes lasting several days
o Severe and long tern feelings of emptiness
o Difficulty controlling one’s anger or getting angry without cause. Feeling angry all the time,
displaying anger frequently or getting in fights frequently
o Periods of stress related paranoia or experiencing severe dissociation, occurs when mind is
detached from emotions or body
Treatment
- Psychotherapy – this is the main treatment for BPD
o Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – help to identify and change unhealthy beliefs,
behaviours, and inaccurate perceptions. Teaches healthy ways to react to stimuli.
o Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) – teaches patients how to recognize, be aware of, and
accept beliefs and behaviours. Also teaches healthy responses to behaviours.
o Schema-focused therapy – helps to view oneself and the world in a positive way
- Medication – medication does not cure BPD but can help to alleviate symptoms
o Antidepressants to cure depression
o Antipsychotics to treat aggressive symptoms
o Antianxiety medication to cure anxiety
- If symptoms are severe, e.g., displays of suicidal thoughts/ tendencies and thoughts of others,
temporary hospitalisation may be recommended
- Omega-3 fatty acids may also relieve symptoms of depression and aggression, however more
research is needed to confirm this
- BPD is a type of personality disorder also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder
(EUPD), characterized by patterns of emotional instability, impulsive behavior, distorted self-image,
and unstable relationships
- In the United States, BPD occurs in ~1.6% of adults
- Although the exact cause is still debated, there are multiple contributing factors:
o Genetics – BPD may have a genetic background, highlighted by twin studies
o Environmental factors – growing up in unstable, abusive, neglectful environments may
increase risk
o Serotonin abnormalities – abnormalities in serotonin production may be involved in the risk
of developing BPD
- Those at risk of BPD:
o Individuals who have family members with BPD
o Individuals who have felt emotionally unstable or vulnerable as children
o People in the household were impulsive
o Individuals who were emotionally abused as children
- Symptoms of BPD include:
o Frantically avoiding real or imaginary abandonment
o Patterns of unstable relationships, alternating between idealizing and devaluing others in a
relationship
o Unstable self-image or self-identity
o Acting impulsively in at least 2 areas of one’s life, in ways that can be self-damaging, e.g.,
impulsive spending, abusing substances
o History of suicidal or self-mutilating behaviour
o Frequent mood swings, usually lasting a few hours and sometimes lasting several days
o Severe and long tern feelings of emptiness
o Difficulty controlling one’s anger or getting angry without cause. Feeling angry all the time,
displaying anger frequently or getting in fights frequently
o Periods of stress related paranoia or experiencing severe dissociation, occurs when mind is
detached from emotions or body
Treatment
- Psychotherapy – this is the main treatment for BPD
o Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – help to identify and change unhealthy beliefs,
behaviours, and inaccurate perceptions. Teaches healthy ways to react to stimuli.
o Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) – teaches patients how to recognize, be aware of, and
accept beliefs and behaviours. Also teaches healthy responses to behaviours.
o Schema-focused therapy – helps to view oneself and the world in a positive way
- Medication – medication does not cure BPD but can help to alleviate symptoms
o Antidepressants to cure depression
o Antipsychotics to treat aggressive symptoms
o Antianxiety medication to cure anxiety
- If symptoms are severe, e.g., displays of suicidal thoughts/ tendencies and thoughts of others,
temporary hospitalisation may be recommended
- Omega-3 fatty acids may also relieve symptoms of depression and aggression, however more
research is needed to confirm this
