Diagnosis and Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

A borderline personality disorder is diagnosed based on the following:

• A detailed interview with a medical expert or mental health provider.
• Evaluation by psychological expert by completing questionnaires
• Studying medical history and exam
• Discussion of signs and symptoms

Borderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in adults (not children or teenagers). Diagnosis among children is difficult because signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder may fade away with age.

Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

Treatment of BPD typically involves the following, as suggested by an experienced medical expert after a detailed analysis of the condition:

Psychotherapy: Long-term psychotherapy (talk therapy) with an experienced therapist skilled in treating borderline personality disorder is one of the most common and effective treatments for BPD. The therapy is categorized into the following:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Also referred to as the "Gold Standard" of treatment for borderline personality disorder treatment, the therapy aims at helping patients develop skills to deal with challenging emotions and learn self-awareness, healthy relationship skills, and emotional regulation.
• Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT: The therapy assesses how one thinks about themselves and others. It helps patients get a detailed, deepened understanding of their mental state and that of others.
• Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT: CBT and psychodynamic therapy are also prescribed for BPD patients.

Medication: BPD cannot be treated with a specific medication. However, therapists may prescribe certain medications to control symptoms and provide relief. These include antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

Hospitalization: This is an option during times of crisis. A visit to the hospital can help as it provides the requisite resources to relax and feel better. In most cases, the stay is short-term (a week or less), depending on the condition and situation of the patient. Hospitalization is mainly considered when the patient may harm themselves or others.

Suicide Prevention: It is crucial to help someone considering suicide immediately. Calling emergency services or Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the best thing to do.

Self-Help Strategies: These can help ease symptoms. Patients are usually suggested to use workbooks, learn DBT skills, pursue a creative hobby or exercise, or join support groups.

Lifestyle Changes: Eating a balanced diet, working out regularly, and getting quality sleep is also helpful in maintaining mental and physical health.

Recovery

Recovery from BPD means the patients can function well in all aspects of life. However, recovery does not happen simply and predictably. It starts with encouraging notes but may be interrupted by disappointing stops and significant growth that can be challenging to spot.

Individuals with BPD are frequently under pressure to transform quickly. This pressure comes from family and society. Some individuals may find these to be effective motivators, but others may feel pressured, which can hamper recovery.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with BPD poses challenges for patients in their daily life. They experience intense emotional pain, desperation, emptiness, hopelessness, anger, and loneliness. All of these symptoms can distress all facets of life.

Relationships can suffer due to BPD. Individuals with BPD can have arguments and conflicts with loved ones. Work can also get affected by BPD. It may cause trouble with teachers, co-workers, or bosses.

Individuals with BPD can experience issues with physical health. It can trigger other problems such as chronic pain disorders, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, arthritis, and other serious health problems.

Although living with BPD is tough, one does not need to resort to a life of emotional pain. Luckily, numerous things can help you cope with the symptoms. Finding an experienced mental health professional can make you feel comfortable and treat the disorder.

• Symptoms and Causes