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Writer's pictureJason Galdo

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?


What is Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder, often shortened to BPD, is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. People with BPD often experience intense emotions, and they can have difficulties managing these feelings. This can lead to challenging behaviors, intense relationships, and sometimes impulsive decisions.

Understanding BPD

People with BPD often feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. They can swing from feeling extremely happy to very sad or angry in a short amount of time. These emotional changes can be hard to control, and they’re often stronger than the ups and downs most people experience. Because of this, everyday situations can sometimes feel overwhelming.

BPD affects about 1-2% of the population. It’s more common in young adults and is diagnosed more often in women than in men, although it can affect anyone.

Symptoms of BPD

BPD has a variety of symptoms, and not everyone with the disorder will experience all of them. However, common symptoms include:

  • Emotional Instability: Rapid changes in mood, with intense feelings of happiness, sadness, or anger.

  • Fear of Abandonment: People with BPD often fear being left alone or abandoned, and this fear can lead to behaviors aimed at avoiding it.

  • Unstable Relationships: BPD can cause relationships to be very intense and change quickly from very close to distant.

  • Impulsive Behaviors: This might include things like binge eating, reckless spending, or risky sexual behavior.

  • Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Sadly, many people with BPD struggle with self-harm or thoughts of suicide.

  • Feeling Empty: Many people with BPD feel a chronic sense of emptiness or boredom.

  • Anger Issues: Intense anger or difficulty controlling anger is also common.

What Causes BPD?

While the exact cause of BPD is not known, there are a few factors that seem to play a role. These include:

  • Genetics: BPD tends to run in families, so people with a family history of mental health issues might be more likely to have BPD.

  • Brain Structure and Function: People with BPD often have differences in the areas of the brain that control emotions.

  • Environmental Factors: Many people with BPD have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or an unstable childhood.

Living with BPD

Living with BPD can be very challenging, both for the person with the disorder and for those around them. The intense emotions and impulsive behaviors can make everyday situations feel difficult. But it’s important to remember that people with BPD are not choosing to behave this way—they often feel like they can’t control their reactions.

Treatment Options

While BPD can be tough to manage, there are treatment options that can help. Many people with BPD benefit from:

  • Psychotherapy: Talking with a therapist can help people understand and manage their emotions. A common therapy for BPD is called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which teaches skills for managing emotions and improving relationships.

  • Medication: Although there is no specific medication for BPD, some people find that certain medications help manage symptoms like depression or anxiety.

  • Support Groups: Being part of a group with others who have similar experiences can provide understanding and encouragement.

Supporting Someone with BPD

If you know someone with BPD, it can be hard to understand their behavior. Try to be patient and offer support. Remember that they’re dealing with intense emotions and often feel misunderstood. Encouraging them to seek professional help can make a big difference.


BPD is a complex disorder, but with the right treatment and support, people with BPD can lead fulfilling lives. It’s important to approach BPD with compassion and understanding, both for yourself and for others. With the right tools, anyone can learn to manage their emotions and build healthier relationships.


If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, please give us a call today at 833-479-0797.

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