What is BPD?

People with BPD want to be loved, yet they push others away. The relationships they do have are stormy. People with BPD can fly into rages for no reason. Sometimes they just need to lash out. At other times, they may feel out of touch with life. And the way they see themselves may change often. Their values, beliefs, and goals also may change.

Who does it affect?

The cause of BPD isn’t fully known. Most likely, many factors play a role. Some people with borderline personality disorder may have been abused as children. Others may have suffered trauma, neglect or been abandoned. And some may have serious head injuries. BPD may also have a genetic component and it seems to run in families.

Getting better

Counseling (psychotherapy) is the main treatment for BPD. Working with a therapist, a person with BPD can learn how best to cope with problems. They can also learn ways to control their feelings. Medicines can help control specific symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Still, it may take a while before symptoms get better. But don’t lose hope. In time, your loved one can have a more healthy and happy life.

Someone with BPD will have at least 5 of these symptoms:

• Intense fears of being left alone and frantic efforts to avoid it

• A pattern of stormy relationships

• A self-image that changes often

• Actions that cause harm, such as using drugs or alcohol

• Wide mood swings

• Intense anger or outbursts

• Feelings of being out of touch with life

• Thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide

• Chronic feelings of emptiness

Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health

  866-615-6464

  www.nimh.nih.gov

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

  800-950-6264

  www.nami.org

• Mental Health America

  800-969-6642

  www.nmha.org

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)

  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• National Suicide Hotline

  800-784-2433 (800-SUICIDE)