Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a significant condition, and although it presents challenges, Fresh Start Behavioral Health can help you manage it.
Typically, individuals with BPD undergo intense mood swings and encounter difficulties in regulating their emotions. This can have repercussions on relationships with loved ones and may result in impulsive and occasionally destructive behaviors.
Symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder include:
- Efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
- A pattern of unstable relationships
- Distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self
- Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors (e.g., substance use, unsafe sex, reckless driving)
- Self-harming or suicidal behavior
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Intense and highly changeable moods
- Inappropriate bursts of anger or difficulties controlling anger
- Dissociation – feeling disconnected from thoughts or a sense of identity
It's important to note that not everyone with BPD will experience all these symptoms, but some individuals may encounter many of them over time. These symptoms typically manifest during adolescence or early adulthood, although early signs may emerge during childhood.
With proper treatment, individuals with BPD can lead healthy, productive, and satisfying lives. Treatment may involve a combination of therapy, medication, or both.
Effective BPD treatment involves a combination of therapy and medication. While no specific medication targets BPD, antidepressants or mood stabilizers can help manage symptoms and associated conditions like depression. Medication is often paired with psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which aids in challenging negative beliefs and developing healthier interaction skills for emotional management.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for borderline personality disorder since individuals with BPD are frequently misdiagnosed due to symptoms overlapping with other conditions, so come to our offices in Dayton, Ohio to get a Fresh Start!