Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment & Self-Test
Some people have trouble regulating their moods or experience wild mood swings.
This can be a sign of immaturity, or it could be a symptom of borderline personality disorder. It’s estimated that 1.6 percent of the general population in the United States struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that borderline personality disorder is primarily experienced by women, with women representing around 75 percent of cases. There are many cases where borderline personality disorder is misdiagnosed as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it more challenging to understand the scope of people with borderline personality disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder Self-Test
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
According to the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD is a mental health disorder that causes extreme mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions. It often takes longer for individuals with BPD to return to emotional baseline after intense shifts in mood.
This lack of emotional control can lead to impulsive or self-destructive behavior and make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. While some people with BPD may appear high-functioning in public or professional settings, their personal lives can be deeply affected by internal turmoil.
Borderline personality disorder is also frequently accompanied by co-occurring conditions. This may include substance use disorders, where individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to manage overwhelming emotions. It can also involve other mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, among others.
Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Diagnosing borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging, even for experienced mental health professionals. Individuals who suspect they or a loved one may be struggling with BPD should familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms before seeking a formal evaluation from a licensed therapist.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of BPD:
- Feelings of dissociation or out-of-body experiences
- Constant fear of abandonment and extreme efforts to avoid it
- Low self-worth, including feelings of guilt or fixation on personal flaws
- Extreme, uncontrollable anger
- Shame and regret following emotional outbursts
- Volatile personal relationships that shift between idealization and devaluation
- Chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom
- Poor self-image
- Persistent irritability and sadness
- Impulsive and risky behaviors, such as reckless spending or unsafe sex
- Self-harming behaviors
- Suicidal threats or attempts
Because many of these symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions, it’s essential to consult a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Long-Term Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder
When a person has a borderline personality disorder, they need to seek treatment to minimize the symptoms. There are long-term effects of not treating and regulating borderline personality disorder.
Risky and impulsive behavior can cause an array of problems. It can cause the person to assume a level of debt that they can’t repay. For example, unprotected sex can result in unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases.
Without treatment, a person with borderline personality disorder won’t be able to sustain healthy relationships with their family or romantic partners. They may find themselves unable to hold down a job or be unable to complete their education.
If the person struggles with a dual diagnosis, they might have additional long-term effects, especially if they have a substance abuse disorder. Left untreated, borderline personality disorder can cause the person to harm themselves or attempt suicide. Treatment is essential for someone who has borderline personality disorder.
Treatment Options for BPD
Depending on the severity of borderline personality disorder symptoms, a person may begin treatment with either inpatient or outpatient therapy. Inpatient therapy is often appropriate for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harming behaviors.
Inpatient care may be necessary to help a person safely begin emotional regulation and remove them from environments that contribute to risky behavior. For many, talk therapy becomes the cornerstone of ongoing treatment for BPD.
This can include:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
In some cases, therapists may also recommend medication to help manage symptoms. Additional options such as group therapy, family therapy, and holistic or alternative treatments can also support the healing process. Open and honest communication with a mental health professional is key to finding what works best for each individual.
Benefits of Treatment for BPD
While there isn’t a cure for borderline personality disorder and the causes aren’t known, there are benefits to seeking therapy and learning to better control the signs and symptoms. A person can also use talk therapy to help reshape their reactions to triggers. Therapy focuses on teaching skills that help people manage their behaviors and thoughts related to BPD.
A person can use the tools they develop in therapy to work on improving relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners. When the person is better able to regulate emotions and avoid dangerous mood swings, they’re able to make positive changes in their life.
A person with BPD may need to continue some level of therapy throughout their lifetime. However, the benefits of living a healthy, positive life are worth the work they put into therapy.
Learn More About Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment at California Care Recovery
A person struggling with borderline personality disorder can seek treatment and improve their overall lifestyle. Treatment can take many forms, and it’s important for individuals to work closely with therapists and care teams to find the best path forward.
At California Care, we support individuals with BPD through our mental health residential and outpatient treatment programs. We use evidence-based therapies to address a wide range of mental health conditions, and every member of our team is dedicated to each patient’s well-being and long-term recovery.
Contact us today for more information about our services.
Our team at California Care Recovery is ready to help you take the next step. We’ll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan and become a trusted partner in your recovery. We offer same-day admissions and are committed to helping our patients achieve mental and emotional stability.
Studies show that antidepressants effectively reduce symptoms and prevent relapses within one to two years of treatment, while psychotherapy has a success rate of more than 70% within a year. With the right medical and mental health support, even severe cases of depression can significantly improve.