BPD is characterized by impulsivity & by instability in mood, self-image, & personal relationships. It is fairly common & is diagnosed more often in females than males.
Symptoms
-Individuals with BPD have several of the following symptoms: 1. Marked mood
swings with periods of intense depression, irritability &/or anxiety lasting
a few hours to a few days. 2. Inappropriate, intense, or uncontrolled anger.
3. Impulsiveness in spending, sex, substance use, shoplifting, reckless
driving, or binge eating. 4. Recurring suicidal threats or self-injurious
behavior. 5. Unstable, intense personal relationships with extreme, black &
white views of people & experiences, sometimes alternating between "all good"
idealization & "all bad" devaluation. 6. Marked persistent uncertainty
about self-image, long term goals, friendships, values. 7. Chronic boredom
or feelings of emptiness. 8. Frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, either
real or imagined.
Causes-The causes of BPD are unclear, although psychological & biological
factors may be involved. Originally thought to "border on" schizophrenia,
BPD now appears to be more related to serious depressive illness. In some
cases, neurological or attention deficit disorders play a role. Biological
problems may cause mood instability & lack of impulse control, which in turn
may contribute to troubled relationships. Difficulties in psychological
development during childhood, perhaps associated with neglect, abuse, or
inconsistent parenting, may create identity & personality problems. More
research is needed to clarify the biolological &/or psychological factors
causing BPD.
Treatments-
A combination of psychotherapy & medication appears to provide the best
results for treatment of BPD. Medications can be useful in reducing anxiety,
depression, & disruptive impulses. Relief of such symptoms may help the
individual deal with harmful patterns of thinking & interacting that disrupt
daily activities. However, medications do not correct ingrained character
difficulties. Long-term outpatient psychotherapy & group therapy (if the
individual is carefully matched to the group) can be helpful. Short-term
hospitalization may be necessary during times of extreme stress, impulsive
behavior, or substance abuse. While some individuals respond dramatically,
more often treatment is difficult & long term. Symptoms of the disorders are
not easily changed & often interfere with therapy. Periods of improvement
may alternate with periods of worsening. Fortunately, over time, most
individuals achieve a significant reduction in symptoms & improve
functioning.
Co-existing Disorders-Other disorders may also be present. Determining
whether other psychiatric disorders may be involved is critical. BPD may be
accompanied by serious depressive illness (including bipolar disorder),
eating disorders, & alcohol or drug abuse. About 50% of people with BPD
experience episodes of serious depression. At these times, the "usual"
depression becomes more intense & steady, & sleep & appetite disturbances may
occur or worsen. These symptoms, & the other disorders mentioned above, may
require specific treatment. A neurological evaluation may be necessary for
some individuals.
Medications-
Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, & short-term use of neuroleptics are common for BPD. Decisions about medication use should be made cooperatively between the individual & the therapist. Issues to be considered include the person's willingness to take the medication as prescribed, & the possible benefits, risks, & side effects of the meds, particularly the risk of overdose.
More info- The National Institute of Mental Health, Information Resources & Inquiries Branch, 5600 Fishers Lane - Room 7C-02, Rockville MD 20857, 301-443-4513
This article was posted by D.J. Jaffe on behalf of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill/Friends and Advocates of the Mentally Ill, a NYC Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. AMI/FAMI is located at 432 Park Avenue South, NY NY 10016. Call (212) 684-3264 for more information. Your support is appreciated.