Treatments and Medications for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A mental illness is borderline personality disorder (BPD). Extreme mood swings, unstable relationships, and difficulty managing emotions are all symptoms of BPD. They are more likely to commit suicide and engage in negative behavior. The major form of treatment for BPD is talk therapy.

How widespread is borderline personality disorder?

It is not very common to have this  disorder. BPD affects about 1.4% of adult Americans in the country.

How does borderline personality disorder develop?

Medical practitioners believe that a number of factors, such as:

Trauma and childhood abuse: Up to 70% of people with BPD have a history of being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused as children. It is also linked to parental substance use disorder, poor maternal attachment, inadequate family boundaries, and maternal separation.

Genetics: Research indicates that families tend to carry the disorder. You’re more likely to get BPD if someone in your family has it, but it’s not a given.

Brain alterations: People with BPD have improper communication between the areas of their brains involved for emotion and behavior.

Symptoms and signs of the disorder

Borderline personality disorder signs and symptoms typically start to show up in late adolescence or early adulthood. The following symptoms, which can be present in any combination, can range in severity from very mild to manageable:

• Fear of being abandoned
• Relationship instability and adversity
• Unstable self-perception or self-image
• Sudden mood swings
• Dangerous and impulsive behavior
• A history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Persistent empty sensation
• Managing your anger problems
• Short-term paranoid thoughts

How is the disorder identified?

Through the course of a child’s and adolescent’s growth, personality continues to change. Due to this, doctors often wait until a patient is beyond the age of 18 before diagnosing them with borderline personality disorder. Occasionally, if symptoms are severe and last at least a year, a person under the age of 18 may be given a BPD diagnosis.

Being unaware of one’s own disruptive behavior and cognitive processes makes it challenging to diagnose personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, a certified mental health practitioner, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, can make the diagnosis of BPD.

They carry out a thorough interview and have discussions about the symptoms to accomplish this. They inquire about:

• One’s own and one’s family’s medical histories, particularly those pertaining to histories of mental health issues.
• Prior employment history.
• Impulse management.

Medicines for BPD

Healthcare professionals often don’t recommend medicines.

However, there are some situations where a psychiatrist may suggest drugs to treat particular symptoms or co-occurring mental health issues. It can manage mood swings, alleviate anxiety and depression, and aid in reining in impulsive behavior. Some BPD sufferers benefit from anti-psychotic (neuroleptic) medicines.

Conclusion

Always keep in mind that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health issue. Compared to the general population, people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) exhibit self-harming and suicidal behavior at much greater rates. Stress, depression, loss, and loneliness are common among the family members of people with borderline personality disorder. Additionally, if you’re exhibiting these symptoms, it’s critical to look after your mental health and get assistance.