What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder has been discussed on a number of television shows, but the portrayal is typically not accurate. Understanding exactly what it is and its effects will help you to develop a personal development plan that can aid in your coping with the symptoms. Those with this disorder have an intense fear of instability or abandonment. When people are alone, they can find it highly difficult to cope with. This can lead to a number of symptoms that make it hard to function in your everyday life. This is one of the #1 most comprehensive Psychology Books ever written, and it's free on Kindle (Get a copy, because it's like a Masters Degree wrapped-up into a single book). However, I recommend that you upgrade to the Print edition, because that copy comes with images.

This condition typically presents itself in early adulthood. It tends to be the most severe at this time and as you get older, it gradually improves. It is important to note that you can lead a full and satisfying life with this disorder with the right treatment and a personal development plan that addresses your struggles.

Looking at the Causes of this Disorder

Experts do not have a complete understanding of what causes borderline personality disorder. Trauma during childhood and environmental factors are believed to play a role. This disorder might also result from:

Genetics: Some research shows that this disorder might run in families.
Brain abnormalities: Some research suggests that certain brain area changes that are associated with impulsivity, emotion regulation and aggression might play a role. Certain mood-regulating brain chemicals like serotonin might also play a role if they are not properly functioning.

Learning About the Potential Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that can occur with this disorder. These can include:

Intense fear of abandonment
Rapid self-image and self-identity changes where someone's values and goals can start to shift
Risky and impulsive behavior
Wide mood swings that have the potential to be intense and last for several days
Intense and inappropriate anger
A pattern of relationships that were intense and unstable
Stress-related paranoia
Suicidal thoughts
Self-injury
Ongoing feelings of emptiness

In most cases, the symptoms are not constantly present and you might cycle between a number of them. The severity and length of the symptoms that you experience also tend to vary. For example, you might have the anger at one time and then the stress-related paranoia at another point.

How Healthcare Professionals Diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder

Your healthcare provider will use the DSM-5 manual to make an accurate diagnosis. The following are also a general part of the diagnostic process:

A detailed interview with you to assess your condition
A full examination and exploring your medical history
A full psychological evaluation
Reviewing your symptoms in detail

During the diagnostic process, it is critical that you are thorough and completely honest. Remember that leaving out even the smallest detail might make it harder to diagnose the condition and get you started with treatment.

The Treatment Options Available

Talk therapy and medications are used to treat this disorder. The talk therapy is used for the following:

Helping you to determine your ability to function
Helping you to decrease your impulsiveness
Learning more about this disorder
Helping you to manage any uncomfortable emotions
Helping you to become more aware of other's feelings and working on your relationships

There are no medications that specifically treat this disorder. However, doctors might prescribe antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood-stabilizing drugs. These can help to treat issues like impulsiveness, anxiety, depression and aggression, issues that can hinder your ability to be successfully treated for this disorder and recover in a timely manner.

Your personal development plan can help you to cope with your fear of abandonment and instability. If you experience anxiety symptoms as a result of this disorder, it can also help you to find ways to help ward off panic attacks when you feel that you are not stable or that you have been abandoned. Your plan also helps you and your healthcare provider to assess your treatment plan so that you can make sure that you are getting the most benefit.

This disorder is not uncommon and you have surely met at least one person at some point in your life with it. As long as they were receiving the right treatment and had a solid personal development plan in place, you surely did not even know that they were living with borderline personality disorder. It is important to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider and make sure that you are fully honest about what you are experiencing. This ensures that you are getting the best treatment so that you can live a satisfying and full life.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/basics/definition/con-20023204

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationships-balance/2013/10/13/personality-disorders-life-in-a-bubble/