Borderline Personality
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that distorts the way you view yourself and the people around you — often making it difficult for you to regulate emotions or sustain meaningful relationships. The characteristic symptoms of BPD can make it difficult to diagnose correctly, greatly affecting the quality of life for sufferers. That is why our borderline personality disorder treatment center in West Palm Beach, FL offers effective treatment options that can help you find relief from your BPD symptoms and regain control of your life.
Symptoms of BPD generally present in early adulthood, though they may be present in childhood or adolescence. Borderline personality disorder tends to be more intense in early adulthood and symptoms may gradually get better with age or with treatment.
Oftentimes, BPD presents alongside other mental health issues, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- PTSD and trauma-related disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Other personality disorders
Personality Disorders vs. Mood Disorders
For example, personality disorders, such as BPD, impact an individual’s ability to properly regulate their emotions and behaviors, leading to interpersonal consequences. Mood disorders like depression affect an individual’s general mood and demeanor, but do not impact their behaviors and relationships in the same dramatic way. Additionally, mood disorders are believed to be primarily caused by biological makeup, whereas most personality disorders are caused by environmental factors like abuse and other forms of trauma.
The most important thing to consider when attempting to decipher between personality disorders and mood disorders is to be aware of what the symptoms of each condition are. Those with a borderline personality disorder will exhibit symptoms much differently than those with a mood disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
- Rapidly shifting ideals, identity, or image
- Going to great lengths to avoid separation, isolation, or rejection in interpersonal relationships
- Continuously engaging in unstable relationships; idealizing partners one moment and suddenly viewing them as bad, cruel or uncaring the next
- Threats of suicide or self-harm
- Mood swings that can persist for anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and can include intense rage
- Poor self-image that can include feelings of worthlessness
- Periods of paranoia and difficulty connecting with reality
- Impulsive and risky behavior (drug abuse, gambling, unprotected sex)
- Feelings of hopelessness and emptiness
Causes And Risk Factors Of Borderline Personality Disorder
Genetics may also play a role in the development of borderline personality disorder. Mental illness tends to run in families. If a person has a close family member who struggles with this disorder or other mental health concerns, there is an increased risk of developing BPD.
Though heredity factors and brain abnormalities might increase the likelihood of developing BPD, environmental factors that affect personality development are also thought to play a role. These include:
- Unstable childhood environment
- Neglect or abandonment by a primary caretaker
- Sexual or physical abuse during childhood
- Parental substance abuse
It is not uncommon for individuals living with BPD to be diagnosed with one or more co-occurring mental health concerns. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
Risks of Untreated BPD
- Unstable or abusive relationships
- Inability to finish school
- Frequently switching jobs
- Unemployment
- Divorce or separation
- Self-harm
- Money or legal troubles
- Sexually transmitted diseases or infections
- Suicide attempts
- Substance use
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Options in South Florida
- Therapy in group, individual, and family settings
- Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Skills training
- Yoga and meditation
- Acupuncture, acupressure, and massage
- Outdoor activities and exercise
These treatments are offered in different programs, and the program best suited for a person depends on their level of need and individual circumstances. Programs available at our borderline personality disorder treatment center in West Palm Beach, FL include:
- Residential Treatment Program:Â Residential treatment is a great option for those in need of high-level structure and care. During this program, clients live on-site where they receive treatment in a safe and nurturing environment. The goal of this program is to foster healing and growth away from the stresses of everyday life.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):Â IOPs offer effective treatment and a sense of structure; however, clients do not live at the treatment facility. Instead, they are able to return to their homes after treatment. Clients in an IOP usually receive treatment 3-5 days a week for several hours at a time. This flexibility allows them to maintain their personal and work commitments.
