Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is categorised as a psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
What are the Criteria and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
The DSM-IV states that an essential feature of BPD is a pervasive pattern of instability of relationships and self image and marked impulsivity that is present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following symptoms:
- Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
- A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealisation and devaluation.
- Identity disturbance, markedly and persistently unstable self image or sense of self.
- Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self damaging (e.g. over spending, sex, drug abuse).
- Recurrent suicidal behaviour, gestures or threats or self mutilating behaviour.
- Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (irritability or anxiety).
- Chronic feelings of emptiness.
- Inappropriate, intense anger of difficulty controlling anger (frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
- Transient, stress related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.
Getting to Grips with Borderline Personality Disorder
The word "personality" refers to an ongoing pattern of thoughts, behaviours and feelings that define who a person is. The diagnosis for BPD is very controversial as it often implies that the personality as a whole if flawed instead of just one aspect of it. This in turn can increase the feelings of low self esteem and depression, which can escalate the problem.
Some people find it difficult to come to terms with a diagnosis of BPD and feel that the "label" or stigma associated with this condition isolates them from society. However, other people have found that having a diagnosis and therefore being able to further understand in-depth about BPD is their first step to control and self management.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder
Research is still continuing into possible causes of BPD. Many (but not all) people who are diagnosed with BPD are found to have had traumatic experiences in early life and childhood. These experiences can be, but are not limited to the death or a parent, sexual abuse, neglect or physical/mental abuse.
There is also some school of thought that indicates some people are predisposed to BPD and as such some stressful or traumatic event can begin the onset of symptoms.
Treatments for Personality Disorders
Psychotherapy or counselling is nearly always used in cases of Borderline Personality Disorder. These are sessions of talking through feelings, thoughts and emotions with a qualified psychiatrist/counsellor to investigate the roots of any childhood problems and also to learn techniques for dealing with some of the debilitating symptoms.
Anti-depressants work to increase levels of serotonin in the brain which helps to counteract the feelings of depression, anxiety and emptiness.
Anti-psychotic medications are often prescribed to help with the feelings of disassociation, paranoia and thoughts or feelings of unreality.
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