What is a Personality Disorder?
Personality is what makes us unique—it’s how we think, feel, and behave. A personality disorder occurs when these patterns deviate significantly from societal expectations, often causing difficulties in functioning normally.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is classified as a Cluster B disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is also referred to as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). BPD is characterized by intense emotional responses, unstable interpersonal relationships, and a distorted sense of self.
Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms
There are nine core symptoms of BPD:
- Fear of abandonment: This can be real or perceived, and individuals with BPD often make frantic efforts to avoid being abandoned.
- Unstable relationships: Feelings towards others can shift quickly from closeness to intense dislike. This is linked to “splitting,” a defense mechanism where people are viewed as entirely good or entirely bad.
- Disturbed sense of identity: A lack of a stable self-concept or uncertainty about one’s identity.
- Impulsivity or reckless behavior: This may include unsafe sex, substance abuse, or other risky activities.
- Recurrent suicidal ideation or self-harm.
- Emotional dysregulation: Intense mood swings that can last from hours to days.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness.
- Uncontrollable anger: This can manifest as frequent outbursts or difficulty managing frustration.
- Severe dissociation or stress-related paranoia.
Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis (DSM-5 Criteria)
To meet the DSM-5 criteria, an individual must exhibit at least five of the nine features in a variety of contexts.
BPD is typically diagnosed in early adulthood but can sometimes be identified in individuals under 18.
Borderline Personality Disorder Causes / Risk Factors
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