9 Signs You Might Have Borderline Personality Disorder BPD
Reviewed By: Kelley Johnson, LCSW
Written By: Daniel Mark Hipp
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder is categorized as a Cluster B Personality Disorder. The cluster B category is known for being “dramatic”, “erratic", and “emotional” (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
Other Cluster B personality disorders include antisocial personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
“A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Individuals with borderline personality disorder can live unstable lives. This instability can take the form of the fear of being abandoned, relationship problems, and failure to regulate their own emotions (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
9 Signs you may have Borderline Personality Disorder
The 5th text revision edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 9 signs related to borderline personality disorder. If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms, you should contact The Healing Center or another mental health professional.
“1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness
8. Inappropriate intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Emotional Regulation in Borderline Patients
Individuals with borderline personality disorder have an intense desire to be loved. Sadly, this goes against an equally intense fear of being abandoned (Garrett & Hough, 2018).
It is commonplace for those with BPD to engage in high risk behaviors such as gambling, substance use, and/or casual unprotected sex with multiple partners (Garrett & Hough, 2018).
It is common for these individuals to have an accompanying mood disorder.
Statistics on Borderline Personality Disorder
20% of patients with bpd have also been diagnosed with depression. (Grant et al., 2008).
40% of patients with bpd have also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. (Grant et al., 2008).
“Up to 67% of the people with borderline personality disorder are also diagnosed with at least one substance use disorder” (Durand and Barlow, 2016; Grant et al., 2008).
Self-Harm is Common for Borderline Personality Disorder Patients
It’s common to see individuals with borderline personality disorder committing acts of self-harm. This could be from small painful punishments they self administer.
It can take the form of more severe punishments such as cutting one’s own wrists, burning themselves, or another extreme act of self-harm.
Sadly, 8-10% of borderline personality disorder patients commit suicide. This usually happens by intentionally overdosing on a medication (Garrett & Hough, 2018).
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a Promising Treatment Option for BPD
Unlike many other psychiatric disorder, bpd patients are often self-aware and “distressed” to the point that they will often seek out psychiatric care (Durand & Barlow, 2016),
The goal of dialectical behavioral therapy is to teach patients healthy coping skills in relation to triggers for suicidal ideation.
Treatment starts by identifying immediate risks for harm. As suicidal behavior triggers begin to reduce, the therapist will work on behaviors which potentially interfere with treatment.
Borderline personality disorder patients are known to have difficulties following through with treatment. This is not an exclusive phenomena.
One of the greatest difficulties with treating any psychiatric disorder is keeping the patient treatment compliant. Thoughts of self-doubt, sabotage, and worthlessness can lead to failure to regularly attend therapy or take prescription medications.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of Borderline Personality Disorder, consult The Healing Center or another qualified mental health professional.
The Healing Center Offers DBT for BPD
The Healing Center in Las Vegas provides tailored mental health services facilitated by a team proficient in addressing diverse cultural backgrounds. Certified therapists deliver in-person or remote sessions, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a mentally healthy community. Our Boutique Psychotherapy Center employs spiritually attuned counselors, employing various techniques to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster self-worth.
With holistic approaches, these therapists equip patients with strategies to navigate life's crises effectively.
For further information on our therapies or to schedule a consultation, please visit The Healing Center's website at https://www.thehealingcentervegas.com/.
Contact The Healing Center via phone (702)505-1280 or email TheHealingCenterOperations@gmail.com.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th. ed., text rev. ). Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2018). Brain & Behavior (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.