Borderline Personality Disorder
A personality disorder marked by a pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with impulsivity.
Overview
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves a long-standing pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with marked impulsivity, typically beginning by early adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include intense efforts to avoid abandonment, unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, emotional reactivity, chronic feelings of emptiness, and intense anger. Some individuals experience recurrent thoughts of self-harm. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. A combination of genetic vulnerability, difficulties with emotion regulation, and early life experiences such as invalidating environments are associated with BPD.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Dialectical behavior therapy has substantial evidence supporting its use for BPD; other specialized approaches such as mentalization-based therapy may also be considered.
Medication
There is no medication specifically approved to treat BPD itself, though medications may be used to address co-occurring symptoms such as depression or anxiety under clinical guidance. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder
Structured therapy engagement, skills practice for emotion regulation, and a consistent support system can meaningfully improve stability over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships. Support should be sought promptly if there are thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people with BPD experience significant symptom improvement over time with sustained, specialized treatment.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.