A Guide to Mental Illness - Borderline Personality Disorder

DESCRIPTION

Borderline personality disorder is a mental disturbance characterised by an instable mood, chaotic relationships, distorted self image, worth and identity, and emotional dysregulation.^[1] The disorder can be devastating and can cause suicidal thoughts and actions, and disrupt family & social life.^[2]^[3]^[4] Though these things seem to be similar to bipolar disorder and clinical depression, it is different in that bouts of depression or anger last hours or days at the most.

CAUSES

The cause of this disorder is unknown, though negative childhood experiences may lead to its development. These can include sexual or physical abuse, neglect and significant emotional traumas.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms include an instable mood, chaotic relationships, distorted self image, worth and identity, and emotional dysregulation. Periods of anger and depression can be accompanied by self harm, alcohol or drug abuse, aggression and suicidal tendencies.^[2]^[3]^[4] Their chaotic self identity can change often, leading them to feel bad, evil or unexistant^[4], and can lead to frequent changes in career, life goals, relationships, values, morals, sexual identity and gender identity.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] A common mnemonic to help remember the features of BPD is 'PRAISE': P - Paranoid ideas R - Relationship instability A - Angry outbursts, affective instability, abandonment fears I - Impulsive behavior, identity disturbance S - Suicidal behavior E - Emptiness

PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY

Approximately 2% of the general population suffer from this disorder and an estimated three quarters of that figure are women.^[3] Negative childhood experiences may trigger this mental abnormality. (See 'causes')

TREATMENT

Psychotherapy can be used to treat the disorder, which involves a therapist discussing the root of the problems the sufferer is experiencing with the patient. It is a long term treatment in which the therapist must build up a trusting relationship with the patient. Self help groups can also be used, where the patient discusses their emotions and problems with the rest of the group. Medication such as anti-depressants and anti-psychotics are also available for those with BPD.^[3]

SOURCES