What is the most effective treatment for borderline personality disorder?

What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)

 The mental health condition known as borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by impulsivity, interpersonal relationship instability, and extreme mood swings.

People with BPD have a severe fear of abandonment and have trouble controlling their emotions, especially anger. Additionally, they frequently engage in risky and impulsive behaviors like reckless driving and making threats to self-harm. It is challenging for them to maintain relationships due to these behaviors.

One of the “Cluster B” personality disorders, characterized by dramatic and erratic behaviors, is a borderline personality disorder.

Many people who have borderline personality disorder are unaware of their condition and may not be aware that there are better ways to act and interact with others.

Who is affected by borderline personality disorder

Most personality disorders start in adolescence when your personality is still growing and developing. Because of this, almost everyone with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is older than 18.

Although anyone can develop BPD, those who are more likely to do so are those with a family history of the disorder. Those who experience other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, or eating disorders, are also more vulnerable.

 

It is relatively uncommon to have a borderline personality disorder. BPD affects about 1.4% of the adult population. The prevalence of borderline personality disorder is approximately 7 per 1000 people in India. 

What are the signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder signs and symptoms typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. An upsetting or stressful situation can bring on symptoms or exacerbate them. Symptoms usually get better with time and sometimes even disappear entirely.

The following symptoms, which can be present in any combination, can range in severity from very mild to manageable:

Fear of abandonment: People with BPD frequently experience anxiety when left alone. People with BPD experience extreme fear or rage when they believe they are being neglected or abandoned. They might find out where their loved ones are or prevent them from leaving. They might also push people away to avoid rejection before getting too close.

Unstable, intense relationships: Because they have a propensity to drastically and abruptly alter their perceptions of others, people with BPD find it challenging to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. They are capable of switching quickly between idealizing and undervaluing other people. Their marriages, friendships, and family ties are frequently tumultuous and unstable.

Unstable self-perception or self-identity: People with BPD frequently have a skewed or unclear view of themselves, often feel guilty or ashamed, and frequently perceive themselves as “bad.” Additionally, they might dramatically and abruptly alter their goals, viewpoints, careers, or social circles. They often obstruct their advancement. For instance, they might purposefully fail a test, end relationships, or lose their jobs.

Rapid mood changes: People with BPD may go through abrupt changes in how they feel about themselves, other people, and the outside world. Irrational feelings can be uncontrollable anger, fear, anxiety, hatred, sadness, and even love. These feelings can also change abruptly and frequently. These swings rarely last longer than a few days and typically only last a few hours.

Impulsive and dangerous behavior: People with BPD frequently experience episodes of reckless driving, fighting, gambling, substance use, binge eating, and/or unsafe sexual activity.

Repeated self-harm or suicidal behavior: Those who suffer from BPD may cut, burn, hurt themselves, or threaten to do so. They might even contemplate suicide. These self-destructive behaviors are typically brought on by being rejected by, potentially being abandoned by, or being let down by a caregiver or lover.

Persistent feelings of emptiness: Many BPD sufferers feel depressed, bored, unfulfilled, or “empty”.  Self-hatred and feelings of worthlessness are also frequent.

Anger management issues: People with BPD frequently experience intense anger and struggle to control it. They might use biting sarcasm, bitterness, or angry outbursts to vent their rage. Shame and guilt often follow these episodes.

Temporary paranoid thoughts: Extreme stress, typically the fear of abandonment, can cause dissociative episodes, paranoid thoughts, and occasionally hallucinations.

These symptoms are frequently transient and not severe enough to be categorised as a distinct disorder.

These symptoms are not present in every person with a borderline personality disorder. Each person has different intensity, frequency, and duration of symptoms.

How is borderline personality disorder treated

BPD has historically been difficult to treat. But many people with borderline personality disorder now benefit from more recent, evidence-based treatments that reduce their symptoms and make them less severe while improving their functioning and quality of life. However, effective treatment needs persistence, tolerance, and commitment. Both medications and talk therapy are possible forms of treatment.

Other mental health conditions that people living with borderline personality disorder frequently have include:

• Mood disturbances.
• Anxiety conditions.
• Drug abuse disorder.
• Eating problems.
• Hyperactive/attention-deficit disorder (ADHD).
• Bipolar illness

They will also require treatment for any co-existing conditions.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Types of therapy that can help treat BPD include:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This kind of therapy was created specifically for those with BPD. DBT focuses on teaching you to learn to change your life and accept the reality of your life and behaviors. It teaches you how to manage your strong emotions better, reduce destructive behaviors, and enhance your relationships.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This kind of therapy is structured and goal-oriented. You’ll learn how your thoughts impact your behavior. You can unlearn harmful behaviors and thought patterns through CBT and learn to think more positively.

Group therapy:  This particular form of psychotherapy involves a group of people coming together to describe and talk about their issues under the guidance of a therapist or psychologist. People with BPD might find communicating clearly and interacting with others easier.

Psychotherapy treatment for BPD

The preferred treatment method for borderline personality disorder is psychotherapy (talk therapy). The purpose of treatment is to assist you in discovering the fears and motivations underlying your thoughts and behavior, as well as to assist you in developing more positive interpersonal relationships.

It’s important to remember that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a medical issue. As with all mental health issues, seeking assistance as soon as symptoms manifest can lessen the impact on daily life. Plans for treatment that can assist BPD sufferers in controlling their thoughts and behaviors are available from mental health professionals.

Stress, depression, grief, and isolation are common among the loved ones of people with a borderline personality disorder. Additionally, looking after your mental health and getting assistance if you’re exhibiting these symptoms is critical.

For treatment, contact Hope Care India TODAY!