Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Individuals with BPD suffer from a disorder in emotion regulation. They are often incapable of maintaining constant moods, interpersonal relationships, behavior and self-image. This is a serious mental illness which disrupts a person’s work, family, long term planning and sense of identity. BPD affects 2% of adults, most of which are young women. In fact, 75% of those diagnosed are women. It is more prevalent than the well – known mental illnesses ‘manic depression’ and ‘schizophrenia.’ People with BPD have a high rate of self- injury and suicide attempts. Therefore it is often required for patients to need extensive mental health services. In fact, patients with BPD make up 20% of psychiatric hospitalizations. SYMPTOMS
- Erratic mood swings ranging from anger to depression and anxiety. These mood shifts may only last a few hours. These swings may be associated with suicidal behavior, aggression, self-injury or substance abuse.
- Distortions of one’s sense of identity which can lead to frequent changes in long term goals, friendships and gender identity. When the most severe symptoms are present a patient may go extreme efforts to avoid being alone and have little idea of who they are.
- High sensitivity to rejection having extreme reactions of anger or distress to even mild separation such as a vacation.
- Unstable social relationships in which there are periods of intense trust and admiration which turns to intense anger and distrust at the slightest conflict.
- Other impulsive behaviors such as sex addiction, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, binge eating and excessive spending.
- BPD often exists along with other mental illnesses, particularly manic depression and other personality or anxiety disorders.
TREATMENT
Dialectical behavior therapy has given positive results in recent studies. Also antidepressants and mood stabilizers can be helpful. Furthermore Antipsychotic drugs may be used when there are distortions in thinking. Group therapy has proven to give at least partial improvements in patients.
Author: Emily is team member of datingfly.com- Free Online Dating
The information found/put up in this site is intended for educational information only.
You SHOULD NOT rely on the information to make any medical or other decisions for treatment or otherwise.
Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your doctors.
datingfly.com will not be liable for any complication, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance upon any information in the Web | 
