Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships.
Borderline Personality Disorder BPD
is a condition characterized by difficulties regulating emotion. This means that people who experience BPD feel emotions intensely and for extended periods of time, and it is harder for them to return to a stable baseline after an emotionally triggering event.
This difficulty can lead to impulsivity, poor self-image, stormy relationships and intense emotional responses to stressors. Struggling with self-regulation can also result in dangerous behaviors such as self-harm (e.g. cutting).
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Diagnosis
There is no definitive medical test to diagnose BPD, and a diagnosis is not based on one specific sign or symptom. BPD is best diagnosed by a mental health professional following a comprehensive clinical interview that may include talking with previous clinicians, reviewing previous medical evaluations and, when appropriate, interviews with friends and family.
Diagnosis
** Detailed interview with your doctor or mental health provider
** Psychological evaluation that may include completing questionnaires
** Medical history and exam
** Discussion of your signs and symptoms
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Treatment
Borderline personality disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy, but medication may be added. Your doctor also may recommend hospitalization if your safety is at risk.
Psychotherapy — also called talk therapy — is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder.
Types of psychotherapy
**Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
** Schema-focused ** therapy
** Mentalization-based therapy (MBT)
** Systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving (STEPPS)
** Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP)
** Good psychiatric management
Medications
Although no drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, certain medications may help with symptoms or co-occurring problems such as depression, impulsiveness, aggression or anxiety. Medications may include antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood-stabilizing drugs.
Hospitalization
At times, you may need more-intense treatment in a psychiatric hospital or clinic. Hospitalization may also keep you safe from self-injury or address suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Recovery takes time Learning to manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviors takes time. Most people improve considerably, but you may always struggle with some symptoms of borderline personality disorder. But treatment can improve your ability to function and help you feel better about yourself