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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that causes intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and severe problems with self-image.1 Approximately 1.4% of the adult population in the United States suffers from BPD, making it one of the most common personality disorders. Although there is no cure for BPD, several effective treatment options are available in order to help manage symptoms.2
This article will discuss the available treatments for people with BPD, along with tips on how to best support someone who has this disorder.
As stated above, BPD affects a little over 1% of the adult population in the United States. While that may seem like a small number relatively, it’s important to remember that BPD can be debilitating and those who suffer from it often need extensive treatment to manage their symptoms.
If you or someone you know displays signs of BPD, it’s essential to seek professional help. With proper treatment, many people with BPD can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
BPD and bipolar disorder are both mental illnesses that can cause significant distress and disruption to a person’s life. Both disorders are characterized by dramatic mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and volatile relationships. However, there are some critical differences between the two disorders.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania or hypomania followed by periods of depression. During mania, a person may experience elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, grandiose thinking, and also start participating in risky behavior. The depressive phase is characterized by low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and potentially thoughts of suicide. Bipolar disorder usually emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.
BPD can affect people of any age, race, or gender. However, the disorder is most common in young adults. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with BPD than men as well.
The most common signs and symptoms of BPD include:
Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that causes problems with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and relationships. People with borderline personality disorder often have a history of childhood abuse and trauma (either physical, emotional, or sexual), genetic factors that could lead to BPD, along with potential chemical brain changes resulting from trauma or other events.4
While these factors might cause BPD in some people, others may develop it in different ways, and these causes are not true for everyone. It’s important to keep an open mind and be aware of BPD symptoms if you or a loved one think you may have it.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing borderline personality disorder; these will be detailed below.
People with borderline personality disorder are more likely to have a family history of the disorder. This suggests that there may be a hereditary predisposition for developing BPD.
There is some evidence that genetics may play a role in BPD, however studies have not been conclusive enough for anything concrete. Genetic factors play a role in many other mental disorders however, including anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
A stressful or abusive childhood can increase the risk of developing BPD. Children who experience neglect or abuse are more likely to develop borderline personality disorder when they grow into their teens or early adulthood.
Many scientists think this is because trauma can rewire our brains in certain ways, and many children or teenagers will develop BPD as their brain’s way of coping with these stressors or abusive environments.
Borderline personality disorder can cause serious and long-term issues if not treated. These complications may include:
If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, it’s essential to seek professional help.
While there is no cure for BPD, certain treatments can help manage the symptoms. These solutions may include:
Living with borderline personality disorder can be difficult. However, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. These coping strategies can include:
Getting professional and specialized treatment for BPD can help manage the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, it may be time to reach out to a treatment center today.
Individuals with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to impulsive and risky behaviors. They may also experience intense fears of abandonment and have distorted self-image. While the exact cause of BPD is unknown, it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment for borderline personality disorder typically includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Our team of skilled mental health professionals at Pacific Beach Health provides comprehensive care for individuals with BPD.
We offer various evidence-based treatments designed to help our clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you love is struggling with borderline personality disorder, please contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Borderline personality disorder is a complex and challenging condition to treat. There are many different approaches, and no one treatment is suitable for everyone.
However, with the help of a qualified mental health professional, it is possible to find an effective treatment plan. With the right support, people with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthier, happier lives.
Located in the welcoming coastal atmosphere of Pacific Beach, CA, we help families connect with each other by connecting to the earth. Our eco-psychological approach makes the most of our environment: our clients can engage in guided healing outside of our office while surfing and exploring what beautiful Southern California provides.
Between our commitment to collaboration, emphasis on spirituality, and focus on nature, we are the only outpatient provider of this kind in the Pacific Beach area.
Pacific Beach Health is the community’s only outpatient provider specialized in integrative behavioral health care. If you are looking for help or would like to schedule a consultation, we are ready to help you today.
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