Understanding borderline personality disorder: symptoms, treatment and support to improve mental health

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that can significantly affect the emotions, behaviour and relationships of those who suffer from it. Understanding this disorder is critical to effective treatment and providing the necessary support. 

Dispositions to borderline disorder often arise in early childhood, when one balancing parental personality is usually absent, or in the case of a toxic household, when the child becomes a mediator of disputes instead of developing his or her personality naturally. However, there may be other causes as well. It is called borderline because the patient can still distinguish reality from fiction, not unlike fully developed psychoses.

Borderline personality disorder: symptoms

A borderline personality disorder is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that can affect different aspects of an individual's life. The most common symptoms include:

Unstable emotions: People with BPD often experience intense and rapidly changing emotions that can lead to frequent and unpredictable mood changes.

Uncertain identity: Patients may have a vague or unstable sense of identity, leading to constant changes in goals, values and self-concept.

Relationship problems: Relationships can be intense and unstable, with frequent conflicts and dramatic changes in proximity and distance between partners.

Fear of abandonment: An intense fear of abandonment or rejection can lead to extreme reactions, such as desperate attempts to hold on to loved ones.

Impulsive Behaviour: People with BPD may exhibit impulsive behaviours such as dangerous driving, substance abuse, unprotected sex or excessive spending.

Self-harm: Self-injurious behaviour such as cutting, burning, or even suicide attempts are common.

Borderline personality disorder: causes

The causes of borderline personality disorder are not entirely clear, but experts agree that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Possible causes include:

Genetics: there is evidence that BPD may have a hereditary component, meaning it can be passed down from generation to generation.

Brain structure: Some studies suggest that people with BPD may have different structures and functions in some regions of the brain that control emotions and impulses.

Traumatic experiences: Trauma experienced in childhood, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect or loss of a loved one, can increase the risk of developing BPD and is one of the most commonly reported causes of the condition.

Treatment of borderline personality disorder

Treating borderline personality disorder can be challenging, but several effective therapeutic approaches can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. The main treatment methods include:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is specifically designed for treating HPO and focuses on developing skills for coping with stress, regulating emotions, and improving relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behavior contributing to their difficulties.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy: this approach focuses on understanding the unconscious conflicts and patterns of behaviour that influence current problems.

Medication: While there are no specific medications for HPO, some medicines can help manage associated symptoms such as depression, anxiety or impulsive behaviour.

Supporting and improving mental health

Support from family, friends, and therapists is key to successfully managing borderline personality disorder. Creating a support network is a major help. Involve people in the patient's life who can genuinely support and understand their problems. Seeking professional help is, of course, an important step, as regular therapy and counselling bring real solutions and can greatly improve the quality of life. 

Engaging in healthy activities can also help. Exercise, a healthy diet and getting enough sleep all contribute to improved mental and physical health. So do self-reflection and self-care.

Understanding borderline personality disorder is the first step to effective treatment and improved mental health. With appropriate support and therapy, people with BPD can lead fulfilled and stable lives.