BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Borderline personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts.

Symptoms

1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment

2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.

3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.

4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging

5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.

6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood

7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.

8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger

9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms

Features

1. Individuals with borderline personality disorder make frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment

2. Individuals with borderline personality disorder have a pattern of unstable and intense relationships

3. There may be an identity disturbance characterized by markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self

4. Individuals with borderline personality disorder display impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging

5. Individuals with this disorder display recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior

6. Individuals with borderline personality disorder may display affective instability that is due to a marked reactivity of mood

7. Individuals with borderline personality disorder may be troubled by chronic feelings of emptiness

8. Individuals with this disorder frequently express inappropriate, intense anger or have difficulty controlling their anger

Treatment

Psychological treatments (talking therapies) are the best way to treat BPD. These treatments usually involve talking with a health professional one-to-one, or sometimes attending special groups. Medication is not recommended as a person’s main treatment for BPD.