Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty regulating emotions, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships. People with BPD may have difficulty managing their feelings, leading to episodes of intense anger, anxiety, or depression. Additionally, they may have difficulty trusting others and maintaining relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of BPD
People with BPD may display a wide range of symptoms, including:
• Intense and unstable emotions, such as feeling extreme joy one moment, and extreme anger or sadness the next
• Impulsive behaviors, such as risk-taking, spending sprees, or self-harm
• Unstable relationships, including idealizing someone one moment and then devaluing them the next
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
• Extreme fear of abandonment
• Uncontrollable anger
• Intense mood swings
• Paranoid thoughts or dissociative episodes
Diagnosing BPD
If you think someone you know may have BPD, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor or mental health professional can help diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan. Diagnosing BPD requires a thorough evaluation of the individual’s mental health history, including a detailed discussion of symptoms and behaviors. The doctor may also use tests to assess the person’s moods and behaviors.
Treatment for BPD
Treatment for BPD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can help individuals with BPD learn how to better manage their emotions and behaviors. Medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be helpful in managing symptoms. Finally, making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, can help reduce symptoms of BPD.