Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way people feel about themselves and others, making it hard to function in everyday life. It is also known as a BPD, emotional dysregulation disorder, characterized by marked impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, extreme mood swings, and issues with interpersonal relationships. People with BPD have a higher risk of self-harming themselves and suicidal ideation to execution.
In BPD, the biggest fear people have is fear of abandonment even after having a loving and nurturing surrounding. BPD starts in the late teenage years and is at its peak in early adulthood. Later in life, issues with emotional regulation and impulsiveness often get better but the fear of being abandoned and self-image issues stay. Diagnosis for borderline is done based on the symptoms and their severity. Any licensed clinical psychologist in India can diagnose borderline disorder based on the symptoms criterion as per DSM-5.
Symptoms
There are a few predominant Borderline symptoms which include:
- Ongoing feelings of loneliness.
- A deep-seated fear of being abandoned leads to extreme actions and measures to avoid being separated or rejected.
- A pattern of extreme trust to no trust in relationships is very common.
- Quick changes in self-identity, including shifting goals and values, and fluctuating between overconfidence and underconfidence.
- Engaging in impulsive and intense risky behaviors, such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, excessive shopping, binge eating, drug misuse, or intentionally sabotaging jobs and relationships.
- Threats of suicide or self-harm, often in response to fears of separation or rejection.
- Anger is not a typical symptom of Borderline disorder. However, people with Borderline disorder due to high and mixed emotions experience anger outbursts.
- People with borderline personality disorder also at times are in toxic and abusive relationships only because of high interpersonal issues.
Causes of Borderline Disorder
- Childhood abuse and trauma are significant factors contributing to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Research suggests that up to 70% of individuals with borderline personality in India have a history of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse during their upbringing.
- Maternal separation, inappropriate family boundaries, dysfunctional family, invalidation, and avoidance during early years, as well as parental substance abuse, are also linked to BPD.
- Additionally, genetics play a role, as having a family history of BPD increases the risk of developing the condition, although it is not a guarantee.
Treatment
- Effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder in India requires patience and commitment.
- Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or both.
- Psychotherapy helps individuals understand their behavioral patterns and develop coping skills to manage their emotions.
- Dialectical behavioural therapy is the most effective treatment for borderline personality disorder in India. It has majorly 4 components:
- core mindfulness,
- distress tolerance,
- emotion regulation,
- and interpersonal effectiveness.
- The therapist also addresses other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
- Therapy plays a crucial role in reducing impulsivity and guiding individuals with BPD to make more considered decisions.
- Additionally, for all individuals with borderline personality disorder treatment varies based on their need and willingness.
How can CoachForMind help?
- Licensed Psychologist: We are a team of licensed RCI-registered clinical psychologists.
- Tailored Solutions: We at CoachForMind understands the individual need and which is why we offer client centric one-on-one therapy.
- Proven Techniques: Our approach to therapy are grounded in scientific research such as Cognitive behavioral therapy and Dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies are designed for people who experience intense mood swings. These therapies helps people who have potentially descrutive or harmful behaviour.
- Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service and continuously improving our offerings based on feedback and emerging trends. Our therapist regularly upskill themselves as per the new norms.
For more information about us and how we can help you achieve your best self, please visit our website or contact us directly at coachformind@gmail.com