Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is an illness that resembles varying moods, self-image, and behavior. A person with BPD often behaves impulsively and tends to have problems with maintaining steady healthy relationships.
People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. Some may have very strong desire to hurt or harm themselves but no actual plan or intent.
Signs and Symptoms of an individual with BPD:
- Real or imagined abandonment
- Rapidly initiating intimate (physical or emotional) relationships or cutting off communication with someone in anticipation of being abandoned
- Impulsive/ dangerous behaviors
- Feeling intense emotional mood swings and anger
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Shifting life plans and goals
Types of treatment effective for this disorder:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy- DBT uses concepts of mindfulness and acceptance, and emotional regulation to bring attention to a person’s current situation and emotional state. DBT also teaches skills that can help control intense emotions, reduce self destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. DBT also consists of interactive work to be completed in session and for self reflective time outside of therapy.