Borderline Personality Disorder

The experience of borderline personality disorder is marked by a crippling sense of instability – instability in moods, behaviours and relationships. At Adayu, we recognize that the most important relationship in life is the one we have with our own self.  Our residential program for borderline personality disorder offers you the psychological safety and stability you need when things seem to be out of control.  

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition which is characterized by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, which extend to all aspects of life. Borderline personality disorder is one of many such personality disorders, and is also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder. 

A person with this disorder experiences sudden and intense mood swings, or feelings of emptiness and emotional numbness. These are often responded to by impulsive, risk-taking or at times, self-harming behaviours. Patients experience a sense of instability in their relationships with others, and with their own selves. They may experience an intense fear of abandonment, and go to great lengths to avoid a sense of rejection. In moments of crisis when there is a heightened sense of distress, they may also experience feelings of paranoia or a loss of touch with reality. 

Treatment Journey

Our signature treatment protocol for borderline personality disorder provides comprehensive care by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, where we are able to provide more intensive care and monitoring than what is typically available in an outpatient setting. The entire journey of treatment to recovery is ensured within a soothing yet structured environment. While our short-term goal is to manage the acute symptoms of distress, our long-term objective is to provide you with the skills you need to make positive changes, strengthen your relationships, and navigate the challenges that come your way. 

In-depth psycho-social evaluation 

We believe in bespoke treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder. And so, our program begins with a thorough 360° evaluation. There are various vectors that come together to shape our life and personality - our team will conduct a detailed clinical interview to understand your presenting concerns and past experiences as they are situated in your psychosocial milieu. A comprehensive psychometric evaluation will also help uncover underlying defence mechanisms, attachment patterns and the dynamics of personality functioning. We will also assess for any co-morbid psychiatric conditions that may be impacting your overall quality of life. 

Psychotherapy

Dialectical behaviour therapy is the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder, and we are committed to providing you with the best of evidence-based practices. A strong therapeutic alliance between a psychotherapist and patient is perhaps the most significant vehicle of change. Harnessing the strength of this therapeutic relationship, our team will work together with you, through the four pillars of dialectical behaviour therapy – mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. We use a trauma-informed lens in our approach to personality disorders as we tend to the wounds of past experiences that continue to live on and impact your inner world even today. 

In addition to conventional forms of psychotherapy, we utilize art therapy as an experiential form of psychotherapy in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. As you engage with music, movement, clay  and colour, art will allow you to express your innermost thoughts, feelings and conflicts in a safe, non-threatening space. Art therapy will play a role in building insight, identifying and changing unhealthy patterns of defences, and strengthening your sense of self. 

Mindfulness Practices

Between an event and our reaction to it lies a space – and in this spaces lies the power to make choices, and take control of our actions. Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment, without judging experiences as being positive or negative. Daily mindfulness sessions at the terrace garden are an integral component to your treatment journey. Beyond just a technique to induce relaxation, mindfulness is instrumental in improving emotional regulation, reducing impulsivity and strengthening your tolerance to distress. 

We recognize that the mind and body are inextricably intertwined, and the practice of yoga embraces this synergy. Enhance your emotional flexibility even as you work on physical flexibility. Attend personalized yoga sessions where our yoga teacher will guide you through the elements of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork) as well as dhyaan (meditation). 

We also encourage you to spend time in our terrace garden, as you tend to the vegetables, greens and herbs. Soak in the visuals, fragrances and textures and let yourself relax in the midst of nature. This is an opportunity to practice mindfulness in action. 

A Nurturing Environment

A routine adds a sense of rhythmicity to life – essential to breaking the cycles of chaos that may have thus far ensued. During your stay, our team will collaborate with you to create a sense of structure and routine so that you remain mindfully engaged, with ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. Guided cognitive  training sessions will provide avenues for mental challenges that build a sense of mastery and mental agility. These will also be instrumental in improving focus, judgment and decision-making. Beyond a space to unwind and relax, recreational activities will also provide an opportunity to build patience and poise. 

We also have dedicated in-house clinical nutritionists and physiotherapists who will look after your overall well-being. Our nutritionist will work with you to break patterns of emotional eating and develop a healthy relationship with food. Stay active and channelize your pent up energy with regular personal training sessions where our physiotherapist will guide you through a workout plan that aligns with your personal health goals. These adaptive lifestyle choices will also go a long way in ensuring restorative sleep, so that you can reset and recharge for another day. 

Medical Management:

Many a times, an individual with borderline personality disorder may experience other co-morbid concerns such as depressive and anxious features or sleep disturbances. Such instances may require the use of medicines, which will be looked after by our team of psychiatrists. 

Family Support

Mental health conditions don’t impact individuals alone, they impact families as a whole. We recognize that family support is a vital ingredient for lasting recovery. During your stay at Adayu, our treating team will also work closely with your family, to help them better understand your condition and keep them apprised of your recovery. Family guidance sessions will strengthen existing support systems and work towards improving relational dynamics within the family unit. 

Aftercare

The path to healing does not end with your stay at Adayu, for our endeavour is to empower you with the skills you require to cope with the stressors of life in a manner that aligns with your values and long-term vision. As you prepare to leave the hospital facility, our team will chart out a follow-up plan together with you and your loved ones. Contingency management plans will be discussed, and we will guide you step by step as you transition back into regular life. 

Regular psychotherapy, and medical management if required, will continue on an outpatient basis. Our team will be available for consultations at the hospital, as well as via online tele-consultations.