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Borderline Personality Disorder

“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 Linehan



What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that makes it difficult to manage feelings and impulses.


Causes

The actual reason for this is unknown. There is evidence that genetic, environmental, and social variables all play a role. Among the most common causes are:

  • Social anxiety

  • Hereditary

  • Abnormalities in the hippocampus

  • Abuse as a child may also raise the likelihood of developing BPD.


Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of borderline personality disorder :

  • Self-perception is distorted.

  • Isolation, dullness, and emptiness are common feelings.

  • Mood fluctuations can be severe and unexpected.

  • Anxiety sensations

  • Loss of enthusiasm for everyday activities

  • Suicidal ideation

  • Delusion


Risk Factors

The following are some of the risk factors:

  • Borderline personality disorder runs throughout the family.

  • Childhood adversity


Complications

If left untreated, BPD can lead to the following problems:

  • Self-destructive conduct

  • Suicidal behavior

  • Negative emotions and thoughts

  • Acts of violence

  • Anger

  • Antisocial personality disorder

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD is divided into four categories. More than one type can be diagnosed at the same time or on separate occasions.


Impulsive Borderline Personality Disorder (IBPD)


IBPD is characterized by impulsive conduct. A person with IBPD is prone to acting rashly and dangerously. They have the freedom to do so without consideration for others or the potential consequences.

People with this form of BPD might look like this:

  • Elusive or distant Charismatic Energetic

  • Engaging or motivating in a flirtatious manner


Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder


Quiet borderline personality disorder is another name for this. This personality type is terrified of being abandoned. They may resort to drastic measures to avoid real or imagined desertion.

People with this type of BPD may hide their feelings more than those with other types of BPD. They also have a proclivity to place responsibility on themselves rather than others.

People with this form of BPD might look like this:

  • Perfection is a virtue.

  • Be a huge success.

  • Be a high-functioning individual

  • In groups, you may feel isolated and disconnected.

  • Feel as if they don't have any genuine or strong relationships with others.

  • Seek approval while also isolating yourself.


Self-Destructive Borderline Personality Disorder

Self-hatred and bitterness are common among people with this kind of BPD.


Self-destructive BPD has symptoms that are comparable to those of other mental illnesses. Keep an eye out for the following other signs and symptoms:

  • An increase in vitality

  • The desire to sleep is lessening.

  • Euphoria is a feeling of happiness.


Petulant Borderline Personality Disorder


This type of BPD causes people to be angry one minute and depressed or sulky the next. They may veer erratically from one emotion to the next. They could also feel neglected and unworthy. This can lead to problems in relationships and an inappropriate thirst for power.

People with this kind of BPD may exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Impatience and irritability

  • Obstinacy and defiance

  • Passive-aggressiveness

  • Mood swings that are extreme


Therapy/Treatment

Medication

Antidepressants: The most widely prescribed antidepressants are known as "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors," and they are used to treat depression.

Antipsychotics aid in the stabilization of neurotransmitters, which affect emotions and behavior in the brain.


Mood stabilizers are used to treat aggression, anxiety, despair, impulsivity, and self-harm attempts.


Therapy

Psychotherapy is when a qualified therapist can help you manage your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Advice on how to adjust to changes in behavior.


Self-care

  • Always consult your healthcare practitioner before embarking on any new endeavor.

  • Join a support group and discuss your thoughts and feelings.

  • With others from the support group, try out new coping strategies and emotion regulation.

  • Make an effort to form and maintain strong social bonds.




References

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