Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder that changes the way a person thinks and feels about one’s self and others. It can cause problems to a sufferer’s daily life and make it hard for them to have relationships, hold jobs, maintain friendships, and even love themselves. It can be treated, and with successful treatment, many people are able to live normal lives.
Risk Factors for Borderline Personality Disorder
Certain things can put a person at risk of suffering from borderline personality disorder. These risk factors include a stressful childhood, a hereditary disposition, and a diagnosis of other mental health issues.
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
The cause of borderline personality disorder is not completely understood. Like most mental illnesses, it can be hard to find one single cause. Doctors are working to learn more about this mental disorder. Some of the things doctors believe may cause or be responsible for borderline personality disorder include:
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Drug usage
- Brain abnormalities
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder can vary from person to person. Since it affects how people view themselves and others, some symptoms are easier to identify than others. Some people may experience all of these symptoms while others may only demonstrate one or two of them. The most common symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder include:
- Fear of abandonment
- Pattern of bad relationships
- Change in self-identity
- Paranoia
- Impulsive behavior
- Suicidal threats
- Mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Aggression
- Intense anger
Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
Diagnosing borderline personality disorder can be difficult because the symptoms of the disease can mimic those of other mental health disorders. Doctors perform a variety of different tests to confirm diagnoses of borderline personality disorder. Some of those tests include:
- Physical exam
- Interview with patient
- Medical history review
- Ruling out other mental illnesses
Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Treatment is often based on the patient’s preference and response. Some patients do well with medications while others do well with counseling. Some common treatments for borderline personality disorder include:
- Behavior therapy
- Schema-focused therapy
- Systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving
- Transference-focused psychotherapy
- Good psychiatric management
- Medication
- Hospitalization
Prognosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
People who receive proper treatment for this disorder can live normal lives. Patients who are not treated my deal with many complications and problems. Some patients need to try several different treatment methods to see which one works best for them. This can take some time and even be frustrating. A good support system is necessary for anyone struggling with this disease.
Complications of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental health problem that can cause serious complications if not treated. Many people have a hard time functioning without proper treatment. Some common complications of this mental health disease include:
- Job loss
- Failure to complete education
- Legal issues
- Marital stress or divorce
- Self-injury
- Abusive relationships
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Suicide attempts
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug use
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- PTSD
- ADHD
