Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a type of personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, strained interpersonal relationships and impulsiveness. Patients with this condition may not realize they already have a mental disorder. If you suspect a friend or a loved one to have this illness, here are some tips you should know to help get rid of borderline personality disorder.
Causes:
- Genes. If a family member have a mental disorder, specifically BPD, there are chances that you may be at risk of getting the same illness.
- Environment. Your childhood experiences and present living condition may predispose you to develop borderline personality disorder.
Risk Factors:
- Abuse of any kind poses a great risk of getting this condition.
- A person with a family history of any mental disorder also has a high risk of developing BPD.
- Loss of a loved one, like a parent, may predispose an individual to this illness.
- Having a childhood conduct disorder may eventually lead to Borderline Personality Disorder.
- Unstable relationships, especially in the family will cause BPD.
Symptoms
To be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, you have to meet the criteria listed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Some of the symptoms for BPD are the following:- Mood swings. While people with depression and bipolar personality carry a certain mood for a few days or weeks, those with BPD shifts from one mood to another in only a few hours.
- Distorted perceptions. The way a patient sees himself changes frequently that his long term plans and relationships are affected.
- Impulsiveness. Because of their mood swings, patients have uncontrollable urges to do certain things. This is usually the reason that patients with BPD engage in unsafe sex, binge eating, excessive spending and other unacceptable behaviors.
- Feeling of unworthiness. People with borderline personality disorder think of themselves as being mistreated, unloved and misunderstood. They feel bored, empty and in general, have no sense of self.
- Unstable relationships. Because of their mood swings, the way they handle relationships are also different. They may regard somebody as very special and then suddenly becomes mad at the person because of little mistakes or flaws the patient has seen.
- Constant need of affection. Another factor that puts a strain on their relationship is their need for attention. They tend to be very clingy and possessive with the people they love. They think a period of separation, like going to work, means rejection. They want to feel that they're needed and loved all the time.
Treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
This therapy aims to teach the patient different behavioral techniques they can use to manage stress and regulate their feelings. This mode of therapy also helps the patient improve their interpersonal relationships.Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic therapy helps in improving the patient's awareness of their thoughts and behavior. Focusing is the main aspect of this therapy. Acquiring new ideas will help the patient make realistic goals and become motivated in resolving the different problems they have.Medications
Several groups of medications may be used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. It all depends on where your doctor wants to focus on.Antidepressants
These drugs are useful in elevating low moods, managing impulsiveness, irritability and anger. Examples of antidepressant drugs are Fluoxetine (Prozac), Imipramine (Tofranil), Phenelzine (Nardil)Moodstabilizers
These drugs work the same as antidepressants. They help improve your mood and decrease irritability and impulsiveness. Some anticonvulsant drugs have mood stabilizing effects. Examples of these drugs are Carbamezapine and Lamotrigine. Other drugs that also have mood stabilizing effects are Olanzapine and Risperidone.Anti-anxiety Drugs
These medications help manage anxiety, agitation and impulsive behaviors. Buspirone (Buspar), Paroxetine (Paxil) and Xanax (Alprazolam) are some examples.Antipsychotic Drugs
For some cases, your doctor may require you to take antipsychotic drugs, like Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and Haloperidol (Haldol).Hospitalization
Confinement in a psychiatric institution are indicated for the following situations:- If you're unable to take care of yourself
- If you pose harm on others or on yourself.
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