Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Psychiatry uses the expression borderline personality disorder (BPD) to describe a personality function disturbance, experienced by about 2% of the population, (frequently young women, as they are three times more likely to be affected than men.) The onset is in adolescence or early adulthood. It normally persists about ten years with a gradual decline in severity, as time passes.

The word borderline was used initially in 1938 by Adolph Stern, to define a condition that is borderline between the diagnosis of neurosis and psychosis. It is characterized by a chronic pattern of instability with respect to personal relationships, self image and affect. Affect has to do with the way a stimulus brings about a response, leading to a change in behavior.

The seriousness of this illness cannot be under-estimated and the symptoms should not be ignored, because it may become a life threatening situation, very quickly.

One can use the mnemonic AM SUICIDE to identify the illness.

A abandonment (feeling of)
M mood instability
S suicidal
U unstable and intense relationships
I impulsive behavior
C (lack of) control
I identity disturbance
D dissociation or paranoid symptoms
E emptiness (feeling of)

Causes:

Research has shown that the more common causes of borderline personality disorder are childhood trauma and sexual abuse, or genetic and environmental factors. It can result from a brain abnormality or abnormal serotonin metabolism.

Treatment:

A psychiatrist will suggest psychotherapy, but schema therapy, dialectical or cognitive behavioral therapy, may be used, as well. Psychoanalysis is often recommended.

Borderline personality disorder may be treated with medications for the relief of specific symptoms. Antidepressants and anti-psychotics are often recommended. Marital or family therapy, group therapy and rehabilitation may be offered as options. The use of mental health services may be suggested for the recovery period.

Testing for borderline personality disorder involves the recognition of specific persistent symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recommends psychiatric treatment when five, out of these nine symptoms are ongoing.

A person makes frantic efforts to avoid being abandoned. Personal relationships are unstable and intense. There is a serious problem with self identity or self image. Impulsive and self damaging behaviors like promiscuous sex, eating disorders, substance abuse or reckless driving endanger the person's life. There is evidence of suicidal behavior, threats, gestures or self-mutilation. Mood changes with irritability and anxiety are frequent. A person has feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. There are continual displays of temper, fighting or the lack of ability to control anger is demonstrated. Paranoia or dissociation symptoms are present.

Being aware of the symptoms and seeking immediate medical advice from a doctor is the most appropriate action to take. A physician will be able to make referrals for further assessment or treatment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder