How do borderlines think

One of the possible causes of the misconceptions is the name. What society needs to understand, though, is that these people are sick. Their symptoms and behaviors are indications of a psychiatric disorder, and they need treatment. In the past few years, celebrities like Demi Lovato and Catherine Zeta-Jones have bravely opened up about their own struggles with bipolar disorder.

Not long ago, experts in the field of psychology believed BPD to be an untreatable illness, and therapists even refused to accept patients with the diagnosis. Then, in the s, Linehan introduced a revolutionary treatment called dialectical behavior therapy, a cognitive-behavioral treatment that emphasizes a strong and equal relationship between patient and therapist.

Marsha Linehan developed dialectical behavior therapy, one of the first effective treatments for BPD. There currently is no FDA-approved medication for BPD, and so patients with the condition are usually treated with medication that targets their co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Medications commonly prescribed to BPD patients include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac and Lexapro; or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as Effexor.

Multiple studies have linked decreased serotonin activity with impulsive aggressiveness and depression in people with BPD, according to Kreisman and Straus, so patients who strongly exhibit those symptoms respond most positively to SSRIs. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview 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.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Borderline personality disorder. Arlington, Va. Accessed May 8, Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Skodol A. Try to stick it out with your therapist and allow the relationship to grow. And keep in mind that change, by its very nature, is uncomfortable.

Although many people with BPD take medication, the fact is that there is very little research showing that it is helpful. When it comes to BPD, therapy is much more effective.

You just have to give it time. However, your doctor may consider medication if:. DSM Library. American Psychiatric Association, Choi-Kain, Lois W. Finch, Sara R. Masland, James A. Jenkins, and Brandon T.

Stoffers-Winterling, Jutta M. Kulacaoglu, Filiz, and Samet Kose. Ripoll, Luis H. Angstman, Kurt, and Norman H. Borderline Personality Disorder — Overview of symptoms, causes, and treatment. National Institute of Mental Health. Borderline Personality Disorder BPD —Explains borderline personality disorder BPD including possible causes, how you can access treatment and support, and tips for helping yourself.

Behavioral Tech. In the U. UK : Call the the Mind infoline at Australia : Call the Sane Helpline at India: Call the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at or This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support.

So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. Cookie Policy. But there is hope and this guide to symptoms, treatment, and recovery can help. What is borderline personality disorder BPD?

BPD is treatable In the past, many mental health professionals found it difficult to treat borderline personality disorder BPD , so they came to the conclusion that there was little to be done. Recognizing borderline personality disorder Do you identify with the following statements? I would describe most of my romantic relationships as intense, but unstable.

I often do things that I know are dangerous or unhealthy, such as driving recklessly, having unsafe sex, binge drinking, using drugs, or going on spending sprees. Self-help tips: 3 keys to coping with BPD Calm the emotional storm Learn to control impulsivity and tolerate distress Improve your interpersonal skills. Find a quiet spot and sit in a comfortable position. Get more help.

Here are seven of their powerful responses. One of the biggest symptoms of BPD is fear of abandonment and this can occur even when things in the relationship seem to be going well. This person says it exactly right — people with BPD have very intense emotions that can last from a few hours to even a few days, and can change very quickly.

For example, we can go from feeling very happy to suddenly feeling very low and sad. This can be exhausting for both us and for the people around us. It may take them time to reflect on our thoughts — but in the moment things can feel scary as hell. Due to it being a personality disorder, BPD is often confused with someone having dissociative identity disorder , where people develop multiple personalities.

BPD is a personality disorder in which you have difficulties with how you think and feel about yourself and other people, and are having problems in your life as a result of this.

Many people still believe that those living with it can be manipulative or dangerous due to their symptoms. While this can be the case in a very small minority of people, most people with BPD are just struggling with their sense of self and their relationships.