Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD, is a personality disorder that is marked by impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining stable relationships, and severe mood swings. Personality disorders, in general, are often misunderstood and until fairly recently, difficult to treat. There are many signs and symptoms to watch out for if you think you or a loved one might have BPD. Diagnosis is helpful, as it can lead to a greater understanding of the self and offers a pathway towards treatment options. Here, we’ll look at some common signs and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as options for treatment.
BPD: Signs and Symptoms
The main symptom of BPD is a lack of emotional stability, which can lead to a myriad of mental and behavioral issues. These include distorted self-image, feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, and impulsive behavior. People who suffer from BPD are prone to severe mood swings which often push other people away and cause intense and unstable personal relationships. People with BPD want close and stable partnerships. However, the disorder often makes stability very difficult. Unlike bipolar disorder, which is characterized by long periods of mania, lasting up to several months, followed by long bouts of depression — people with BPD experience rapid changes in mood. Their mood might change dramatically several times a day.
Treatment Options
Borderline Personality Disorder is treatable. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is one of the main forms of treatment for BPD. In fact, it was created specifically to treat BPD symptoms. DBT includes mindfulness practices, self-awareness techniques, and other emotional problem-solving tactics. Other forms of talk therapy and medications might be right for some people. It’s always best to consult a professional. Regular and vigorous self-care practices are essential for those with BPD. These include good sleep habits, healthy diet, meditation, exercise, and other mindfulness practices. Research shows that regular treatment can greatly reduce symptoms of BPD. There is absolutely hope.
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