AN OVERVIEW OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER written by Angel Cézanne Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month was first recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2008 to combat stigma and encourage funding for research. BPD is very common, with more than 3 million cases estimated in the U.S. and symptoms including emotional instability and impaired social relationships. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Not every person diagnosed will exhibit the same symptoms, and many of the symptoms of BPD are also seen in other disorders. With that in mind, common symptoms include impulsivity, irritability, risk taking or self-destructive behavior, anxiety, sadness, emptiness, and a distorted self-image. FACTS ABOUT DIAGNOSIS - Diagnosis must come from a mental health professional, and is based on 9 criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. - A majority of people diagnosed with BPD are women. - Men most likely experience BPD at the same rate as women, but receive different diagnoses as a result of bias and stigma. RISK FACTORS Like any mental health issue, the direct cause of BPD is unknown but research suggests that genetics, brain structure, and one’s environment all play a role. Many who are diagnosed report a history of unstable or invalidating relationships, or traumatic events, such as abuse or abandonment. FACTS ABOUT TREATMENT - Treatment requires talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. - Therapy aims to help a person gain insight, master coping skills, and improve daily function. - Medication is often required in addition to therapy to assist with emotion regulation, and there is absolutely no shame in that. A LEGACY OF SORTS Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of talk therapy that was created by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s to treat patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and chronic suicidal ideation. DBT involves emotion regulation techniques taken from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as radical acceptance and mindfulness practices, and it has proven helpful for patients with various disorders. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw76uOGJ84k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4e78jiv2nzfj
