Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how people relate to themselves and others. It can cause people to have unstable relationships, act impulsively, and make self-destructive choices. Borderline personality disorder can be difficult to understand, and the way it presents itself changes over a person’s lifetime. This condition can be difficult to identify and treat. Many people benefit from getting treatment from a mental health treatment center qualified to work with people with BPD.
Oftentimes, a borderline personality disorder is first recognized during childhood. Someone might show behaviors that seem manipulative or attention-seeking. They may seem to have exaggerated emotional responses to events that seem minor. If left untreated, BPD can change as the person enters adulthood and lead to long-term negative consequences.
If you or someone you love struggle with symptoms of borderline personality disorder, you are not alone. Reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health to learn about our support programs for people struggling with personality disorders and other mental health conditions. Call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder can fluctuate in intensity throughout someone’s lifetime. Because they are mostly behavioral symptoms, many people have a hard time identifying BPD. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A pattern of intense or unstable relationships with friends, romantic partners, and family members
- Unstable sense of self or self-image
- Impulsive, reckless behavior–substance abuse, irresponsible spending, risky sexual behavior, dangerous driving
- Cutting or other forms of self-harm
- Frequent thoughts or threats of suicide
- Rapidly fluctuating moods
- Dramatic relationships
- Feelings of emptiness or isolation
- Intense anger response to minor events
- Intense fear of abandonment–behaviors to draw people close or push them away that can seem intense or impulsive
People with borderline personality disorder may have some or all of these symptoms, or they may struggle off and on with some of these symptoms at different times in their lives.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?
Most people who study BPD agree that it is caused by several factors, including family history, traumatic events such as childhood abuse or neglect, and structural changes in the areas of the brain that control emotional responses and impulsive behaviors. While borderline personality disorder is still somewhat of a mystery, mental health professionals are beginning to understand how to help people who suffer from it.
How Does Borderline Personality Disorder Change in Adulthood?
When people with BPD are children and adolescents, they may struggle with a distorted sense of self. They may act impulsively or have big emotional reactions to seemingly small events. In their teen years, they may struggle to feel as though they do not fit in with their peers or struggle to define who they are. People with borderline personality disorder may begin to use risky behaviors like experimenting with sex and drugs to help them cover up intense feelings of emptiness or loneliness.
Learn More About Mental Health Counseling at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we believe that you should live the healthy, self-directed life you want, despite your mental health diagnosis. If you or someone you love requires the support of a mental health treatment center or wants to learn more about our programs, reach out to our staff today. We offer:
- A residential treatment center
- Anxiety treatment
- Depression treatment
- PTSD treatment
- A dual diagnosis treatment program
You do not have to manage your mental health alone. Our compassionate, knowledgeable staff is ready to support you. Call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
