Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a poorly understood mental health condition that is deeply rooted in stigma. This causes those living with this condition to avoid seeking help, which in turn causes the condition to worsen. Without treatment, those living with this disorder can damage not only their relationships with others but themselves as well.
It’s why seeking a diagnosis and treatment is so critical after noticing the signs of BPD. Although it’s a life-long condition, it can still be treated and managed. Mental health care and addiction treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, treat conditions like BPD. This is because this condition and addiction commonly co-occur, resulting in a dual diagnosis.
Admitting that you or a loved one may have BPD can be scary. It’s a condition poorly represented in popular media and often used to paint someone as the villain. Separating fact from fiction can be hard, but with the help of a mental health care professional, light can shine on this highly misunderstood condition.
A Brief Overview Of BPD
BPD is a mental health condition that results in extreme mood fluctuations and impulsivity. This can have a severe impact on the person’s interpersonal and social relationships. It is part of cluster B personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behaviors. Common symptoms of BPD include:
- Extreme mood fluctuations and swings
- Patterns of unstable interpersonal relationships
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Difficulty regulating emotions, especially anger
- Impulsive, dangerous, and reckless behavior
- Temporary paranoid thoughts
- Repeated self-harm or suicidal behavior
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Unstable self-image or sense of self
It’s unknown what exactly causes BPD to develop. However, survivors of childhood abuse or trauma have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with this condition. Factors such as family history, brain changes, and being diagnosed with conditions such as depression or anxiety can also increase the risk of BPD.
Myths and Facts Surrounding BPD
Separating the facts from misinformation is important in reducing the stigma those with BPD face. The more this stigma is lessened, the more likely those with the condition can find the assistance they need for recovery. Many struggle with this condition because they don’t know there are tools out there to help them. Spreading awareness doesn’t just help you. It also helps those around you who are hiding or making their condition.
Myth #1: BPD Only Affects Women
It was originally thought that this condition disproportionately affected women, with a belief that almost 75% of diagnoses belong to women. However, recent studies have shown that there is very little gender difference in diagnosis rates.
Myth #2: This Is a Rare Condition
Though it’s hard to get accurate estimates due to people being reluctant to seek professional help, it’s estimated that 1.6% of the US population has BPD.
Myth #3: People With BPD Are Always Attention-Seeking or Manipulating Others
BPD can cause people to act in ways in which they would not if they were mentally well. This condition is considered to be very uncomfortable, with high levels of anxiety and stress. Those engaging in manipulation or attention-seeking are usually doing so due to their fearful desperation to avoid rejection or relieve symptoms. They cannot control this behavior without professional help.
Myth #4: People With This Condition Are Dangerous
Those with BPD are more likely to harm themselves than they are another person. They may lose their temper or get physically confrontational, but they are more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors or suicide.
Myth #5: BPD Cannot Be Treated
Like other mental health conditions, BPD is treatable with professional help. With a supportive environment and quality treatment, people with BPD can live normal and successful lives.
Seeking Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Treating personality disorders has historically been difficult. With the future development of evidence-based treatments, people with this disorder can now receive the comprehensive treatment they need. BPD itself is mostly treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The main psychotherapy used is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which was designed to help people with BPD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy are also helpful in treating this condition, all of which can be found at Driftwood Recovery.
What makes BPD tricky to treat is that it usually has a concurring disorder. Some common co-occurring disorders include substance use, anxiety, mood, and eating disorders. These disorders can sometimes interfere with the diagnosis process, preventing the person from getting quick treatment. Once a dual diagnosis has been confirmed, these concurring disorders must be treated alongside BPD at the same time, necessitating an individualized treatment plan. Clients at Driftwood Recovery always undergo an assessment and stabilization process. This allows professionals at Driftwood Recovery to identify additional needs, all of which are addressed in their treatment plan.
Even with quality and comprehensive treatment, it still takes hard work and time to recover from BPD and its co-occurring disorders. To give further assistance, clients have access to programs during and after treatment. Programs such as the alumni program and relapse prevention allow those with BPD to always have access to help, even when treatment is completed.
There is hope for those with BPD. With a commitment to treatment and a personal willingness to embrace change, anything is possible. All it takes is compassion and kindness to show you that despite your mental health conditions, you are still a person worthy of help and understanding.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health condition that can greatly affect a person’s ability to form healthy relationships. Though this condition is greatly misunderstood, it is, in fact, a treatable condition. Getting swift and professional help for BPD is important for a healthy and successful life. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can find comprehensive BPD treatment. This also includes treatment for commonly co-occurring disorders, such as addiction and substance use disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with BPD, know that people do live with this condition and lead happy, successful lives. To learn about BPD treatment at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.