Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health condition associated with difficulties in managing emotions. Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition known as personality disorders. Those living with BPD can experience identity issues, self-harm (cutting), fear of abandonment, impulsivity and feelings of emptiness. Rapid changes in mood can occur that can last from a few hours to a few days.

People living with BPD experience a degree of emotional turmoil and instability that is ongoing and interferes with daily living. BPD can often be mistaken for mood and/or identity disorder.

BPD was once thought to be “untreatable.” However, there are now evidenced-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which teach skills that can help people with BPD manage their emotions and have a more stable life and relationships.

Although BPD can be present throughout life, the high-risk behavior and instability of relationships tend to lessen in middle age, while at the same time vocational functioning improve.

People with an untreated personality lack diversity in interacting with others which can lead to difficult, confusing and extreme relationships. This in turn, can lead to anxiety and depression.

At the Cottages on Mountain Creek, we provide a complete Borderline Personality Program including DBT and EMDR. In some cases, we partner with therapists for DBT sessions. The Cottages on Mountain Creek also provides one-on-one care for clients living with Borderline Personality Disorder.

What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (“stress-diathesis model”). Childhood trauma is felt to be the cause of BPD disorders and may also be associated with a genetic inheritance.

Many people with borderline personality disorder report being sexually or physically abused or neglected during childhood. Other instability during early childhood may contribute to the development of the illness, including: separation from a parent or close caregiver, death of parent of close caregiver, or parents or caregivers who were not consistently present or involved because of substance use or other mental health issues.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Adults with BPD have a lack of coping skills associated with stress and/or emotional issues. Symptoms and behaviors include the following:

Rocky Relationships;
Intense Fear of Rejection;
Bored, Irritable, Restless;
Distorted Self-Image that Affect Moods, Decisions and Priorities;
Impulsive Actions (Reckless Driving, Binge Eating, Spending Sprees, Quitting Jobs, Leaving Relationships);
Disassociation (Few Minutes To Hours);
Suicidal Ideations and/or Attempting Suicide Under Stress; and
Intense Anger.

Treatments Modalities

Medications – Research indicates medications are generally not effective for treatment of BPD. While medications for mood and anxiety are generally prescribed, medications do not resolve the relational symptoms of the illness.

As suicide is a concern for BPD, medications are for suicidal ideations are often prescribed

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been proven an effective approach for those struggling with BPD and/or emotional symptoms. DBT helps improve relationships.

Speak to one of our counselors to learn more about the symptoms and signs of borderline personality disorder and to learn more about treatment options.