Borderline Personality Disorder, (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Individuals with BPD may struggle with extreme mood swings, impulsive behavior, instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, trouble controlling and regulating their emotions, and an overwhelming fear of abandonment. Borderline personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called, “Cluster B” personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behaviors. BPD can have a profound impact on individual’s relationships as well as their overall functioning and quality of life.
BPD can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. However, borderline personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood. This condition seems to be worse in young adulthood and then gradually gets better with age. Although women are far more likely to be diagnosed with BPD then men this disorder can affect anyone. It has been shown that nearly 75% of the people diagnosed with BPD are people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Research suggests that people assigned male at birth (AMAB) may be equally affected by BPD, but they may be misdiagnosed with post dramatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Recent research has shown the prevalence of BPD in the United States is 1.6 of the population. That percentage shows that over four million people have BPD in America alone. Due to the disorders complex nature that figure could potentially be higher as BPD at times is underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. You tend to see this disorder in clinical type settings for example psychiatric hospitals where individuals can go to seek treatment for both emotional and relational difficulties or issues they are experiencing.
Signs and symptoms of BPD can vary from person to person and may range from manageable to very severe. Typical signs and symptoms may include a pattern of unstable and intense relationships, fear of abandonment, ongoing feelings of emptiness, emotional dysregulation, unstable self-image or sense of self, impulsive and dangerous behavior, temporary paranoid thoughts, anger management issues, rapid mood swings such as going from extreme happiness to deep anguish within a short timeframe, and repeated self-harm or suicidal behavior which statistics show about 70% of people with BPD will make at least one suicide attempt in their lifetimes.
The exact cause of BPD is unknown, but it is believed to stem from a combination of factors that include genetic, environmental, social, and neurobiological. Studies show that people that have a close family member (such as a parent or sibling) with the illness may be at a higher risk of developing borderline personality disorder. Studies also suggest up to 70% of people with BPD have experienced sexual, emotional or physical abuse as a child. Other individuals potentially have both unstable and invalidating relationships. Lastly, research shows that people with BPD may have structural and functional changes in the brain, especially in the areas that control impulses and emotion regulation.
Diagnosing BPD can be both difficult as well as challenging. Many individuals with a personality disorder lack both the awareness and insight of their troublesome behavior and thought patterns, and as well the symptoms of BPD can overlap with other mental health conditions causing confusion. Mental health professionals can diagnose borderline personality disorder based on the diagnostic criteria for BPD in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation accessing the individual’s history, symptoms, and behavior patterns is completed. It is typical for mental health professionals to work with the individuals family and friends to gather more insight and as much information as they can into their history and behaviors.
The management and treatment of BPD often include a collaborative approach involving support from a multidisciplinary team, medication, and psychotherapy. If your safety is at risk hospitalization may be recommended by your healthcare provider. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, with the goal of treatment being to help you uncover the motivations and fears associated with your thoughts and behavior and to help you learn to relate to others more positively. Other effective therapy approaches such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Schema- focused therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and group therapy may also be incredibly beneficial. Medication, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood-stabilizing drugs may be prescribed to help with specific symptoms or co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, or impulsiveness. Medication is generally used in conjunction with psychotherapy and is not viewed as an independent treatment for BPD.
The prognosis for individuals with BPD can vary widely. Recovery from BPD takes both commitment and dedication as it can be an ongoing step-by-step process. Early intervention as well as regular treatment are key factors that can play an important role in improving someone’s prognosis. With the proper diagnosis, treatment, and support individuals can experience significant improvements in both their symptoms and overall functioning which in turn can result in a greater quality of life for individuals struggling with BPD. Borderline personality disorder is a complex and challenging disorder where it is vital that awareness is raised, stigma is reduced, and mental health care/treatment is accessible so individuals with BPD can have all of the support and resources needed to go on and lead fulfilling lives.
Social Security disability is available for individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder. However, there exists strict criteria in order to qualify. The likeliness of approval is greater if another qualifying condition is present. To be eligible proof that your BPD is ongoing, persistent, and enough to make holding a steady job impossible. Upon application medical documentation from a list of accepted criteria proving both a pervasive pattern as well as extreme limitation must be provided. Ultimately for approval extensive medical justification is needed as evidence that BPD meets SSA criteria.
The link below is a quick and helpful resource for applying online for social security benefits:
Apply Online for Disability Benefits (ssa.gov)
The link below offers both resources and support for individuals and families affected by BPD. It as well provides information on education and advocacy efforts relative to BPD:
Home | National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
