Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Last reviewed Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by persistent instability in mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. People with BPD often experience intense emotional swings, fears of abandonment, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.

Key Points:

  • Core Symptoms:
    • Emotional Dysregulation: Rapid mood swings, intense reactions.
    • Relationship Instability: Idealizing others, followed by extreme devaluation (splitting).
    • Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: Common coping responses to overwhelming emotions.
  • Causes: Interaction of genetic predisposition with childhood trauma or environmental stressors.
  • Treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is widely recognized as an effective treatment, focusing on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

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