Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is also called emotion regulation disorder because one of the biggest problems is regulating emotions. In addition, people often see a disturbance in self-image, unstable relationships and impulsive behavior.
These impulsive behaviors can be harmful to themselves as well as to others. It is estimated that 1-2% of the population suffers from BPD. The symptoms usually decrease as the person gets older.
Cause and risk factors
Although much research has been done into this personality disorder , the exact cause is not yet known. It is likely that the condition manifests itself through a mix of factors, both innate characteristics and events and circumstances in your life.
Risk factors include:- upbringing context;
- negative childhood experiences;
- insecure attachment as a child with the parents;
- physical and/or emotional neglect;
- sexual abuse;
- insufficient support from the child's environment.
Symptoms
The DSM-5, the handbook of psychiatric disorders, lists 9 characteristics of borderline. A person must meet 5 of these to be diagnosed with borderline.
- Separation Anxiety
People with borderline have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. But once they get attached to someone, aloofness turns into over-dependence. The result is severe separation anxiety. - Black and White Thinking
BPD patients are typically black and white thinkers. They regard the people in their environment as right or wrong and alternate between idealizing and belittling. Because they think in black and white, they often have intense relationships that are short-lived: it's all or nothing. - Identity Disorder
People with borderline have an unstable self-image. They have conflicting images of themselves that they cannot integrate. As a result, they feel permanently empty. - Impulsivity
Reacting impulsively is one of the main characteristics of borderline. Borderline patients can be impulsive about money, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating. - Suicidal Behavior
Nearly all borderline patients consider suicide at some point. A significant proportion attempt suicide or engage in self-harm (self-harm). - Severe Mood Swings
People with borderline have highly fluctuating moods that usually last a few hours or a few days at most. - A Chronic Feeling of Emptiness
Borderline patients are looking for outside relationships and impulses, because otherwise they feel empty. That is why they hitch a ride on the feelings of the other, even though they cannot trust that person. - Uncontrollable Anger
People with borderline have trouble controlling their anger. This manifests itself, for example, in tantrums or fights. That is why it is important to avoid the triggers for this behavior - alcohol and drug abuse , too little sleep and stress - as much as possible. - Dissociative Phenomena
Individuals with borderline may suffer from stress-related, paranoid ideas, or dissociative symptoms. The patient disconnects emotionally from himself in stressful situations. Also read: Online self-help course for dealing with suicidal thoughts
Therapy
If you suspect BPD, you can initially get started with self-help programs and self-help groups. Through self-insight you can prevent many problems and help solve certain symptoms.
Professional treatment usually takes place in a specialized center. There the emphasis is on (day) structure. In addition, the person with BPD learns to deal with emotions through psychotherapy. There are several forms:
- dialectical behavioral therapy;
- cognitive therapy;
- treatment aimed at dealing with stress.
The doctor may prescribe medication to treat depressed moods or to cope with psychosis. Medication can also help control the intensity of emotions.
