Borderline Personality Disorder

What is borderline personality disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by intense emotional instability, difficulties with relationships and self-image. Borderline personality disorder is present in 1 – 2% people. 

How to identify borderline personality disorder?

• Intense and fluctuating emotions such as anger, sadness or anxiety

• Unstable and intense relationships 

• Tendency to behave in an impulsive or reckless manner

• Fear of abandonment and going to great lengths to avoid rejection 

• Issues with self-image and self-doubt

• Recurrent episodes of self-harm or suicidal behaviour 

• Chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom 

• Feeling disconnected from reality, or losing track of time 

When to seek help?

Personality disorders have an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, and continue to persist over time. They can have an impact on all aspects of life, including thought processes, emotional regulation, behavioural tendencies and interpersonal relationships. It is important to seek help when these patterns are rigid and maladaptive, and lead to significant distress in everyday life. 

What is the treatment for borderline personality disorder? 

Psychotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for borderline personality disorder. Dialectical behaviour therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to impart skills for emotional regulation and improving interpersonal relationships. Insight oriented therapy can also help patients work through maladaptive defence mechanisms. In some cases, medicines may be used to alleviate the condition as well.