BPD; A Discussion.

“People with BPD are like people with third degree burns over 90% of their bodies. Lacking emotional skin, they feel agony at the slightest touch or movement.” – Marsha M. Linehan

Many people have seen Girl Interrupted, a movie about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but what is Borderline really about?

In a Borderline Personality, the person lacks a sense of self, and experiences emptiness, and fears abandonment. There are patterns of intense and unstable relationships, emotional instability, outburst of anger and violence, and impulsive behavior. Suicidal threats are not uncommon, and self-harm is also common. Borderline Personality Disorder got its name because it was thought to be the borderline between neurotic (anxiety) disorders and psychotic disorders. So… What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of BPD are emotional instability, self-harm, impulsive behaviors such as reckless spending, fear of abandonment, black and white thinking and disassociation during painful events. These symptoms make it very hard for one to live their lives, and can cause issues within relationships and a working environment. The symptoms are often hard to treat and can lead to isolation and even suicidal thoughts or actions. Alright, How does one develop a Borderline Personality?

In previous years, it was thought that BPD was caused by poor parenting; however, it’s been recently discovered that both biological and environmental factors place a person at risk for developing this disorder.

60% of the risk of developing BPD is conveyed by genetic abnormalities. These abnormalities affect the proper functioning of brain pathways that serve the behavioral functions of emotion information processing, impulse control and cognitive ability. “Some research supports a biological basis for the disorder. First, there are indications that erratic mood swings, social cognitive difficulties and maladaptive behaviors may be used by prefrontal and temporolimbic dysfunction.” (Swift, 2009) Genetics plays one role, but environmental factors also place a person at risk. Poor parenting seems to be the most critical factor. Other factors include repeated emotional, physical or sexual abuse, and inconsistent, unsupportive care. What treatment options are there?

Treatment of BPD is difficult, but can be done. Therapy, specifically psychotherapy, is usually the first treatment for people with BPD. There are several types of Psychotherapy that can be used as treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT, and medication is all used in an attempt to make the patient with BPD aware of what’s going on, and get through painful events. When therapy and medication simply isn’t enough, hospitalization can be used to stabilize the patient with BPD. What can I do?

Living with BPD is difficult, but there is hope. If you are struggling with this disorder, or know someone who is, please research and offer help to them. One option is to read about the disorder on the web, and there are several books about BPD available to the public. Be supportive, open minded and honest with yourself, and with whomever you talk to.

#BPD