Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Understanding these factors plays a significant role in the associated diagnosis and borderline personality disorder treatment
Genetic & Biological Factors
Those with a family history of BPD or other personality disorders tend to develop BPD at an alarming rate. One of the factors in BPD is the imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Individuals with BPD usually have a weakened ability to control their emotions, which negatively impacts their mood regulation.
Psychological & Emotional Triggers
Most of the individuals who have BPD share common traits of being neglected, abused, or traumatised as a child.
They display remarkable emotional over-reactivity and intense difficulty controlling their feelings which stem from self-regulation leadingleads to terrible feelings of abandonment and instability.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Lack of any form of balanced and healthy relationship along with parental or chronic stress and even abuse, increases chances for developing BPD. Disapproval and abandonment from important people can intensify distress and confusion of self-identity in an emotionally drained person which leads to self-harming behaviour.
Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
People suffering from BPD do so because of various factors such as their surroundings, biology and psychology. For instance, childhood abuse and negative relationships with people can increase the probability of developing BPD. These factors may be relevant for accurate diagnosis and borderline personality disorder treatment
Emotional Symptoms
An intense fear of separation, whether real or imagined, that leads to desperate attempts to escape the fear of rejection at any cost. An individual undergoing rapid cycling can go from abnormally happy to severely sad or angry in a matter of hours or even minutes.
A sustained sense of disconnection from self or others, including loved ones, often results in chronic feelings of emptiness or loneliness.
Cognitive Symptoms
Chronic identity confusion often leads to distorted self-image and makes it impossible to set coherent goals, values, and aspirations. A form of stress-induced paranoia or dissociation that alienates one from self or surroundings is often referred to as reality.
Exaggerated “black or white” mentality creates challenges for people to see any neutral positions within themselves, a problem or the other person.
Behavioural Symptoms
Disorders characterised by self- inflicted violence such as cutting or burning, drug and alcohol abuse, binge eating, or extravagant spending are impulsive, endangering one’s life.
A set of complexes, intense, changing and unstable interpersonal relationships is characterised by abrupt and extreme shifts from idealisation to devaluation of a person.
Outbursts of uncontrolled rage and frequent violent confrontations create more problems than solutions in personal as well as professional relationships.
Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder causes a multifaceted impact on an individual’s psychological, emotional, and sociological life.
As the name suggests, a person suffering from borderline personality disorder tends to oscillate between extremes of emotions that make coping with daily activities, relationships, and mental health maintenance a daunting task.
Emotional & Mental Health Consequences
Those suffering from BPD feel sharp fluctuations in emotion which can result in immense joy and sadness in quick succession. Feelings of emptiness and loneliness often linger which makes it hard to gain emotional balance over time.
This group of individuals is highly susceptible to anxiety, depression, and self-harming due to high emotional sensitivity. Because of the persistent emotional instability, these individuals struggle with daily functioning.
Impact on Relationships and Daily Life
Individuals with BPD suffer greatly from abandonment which creates intense fear. They also struggle with building and maintaining relationships. Their impulsive behaviour, coupled with emotion regulation difficulties greatly impacts friendships and professional relationships.
Social withdrawal, along with an inability to make and keep long-terml commitments, tends to have a negative impact on both their personal and professional life.
Risk of Co-occurring Disorders
BPD often occurs with conditions like PTSD, substance, and eating disorders. These individuals are more likely to develop suicidal and self-harming behaviours due to extreme emotional dysregulation.
Co-occurring disorders complicate borderline personality disorder treatment, calling for a multidisciplinary approach to care that is both comprehensive and systematic for proper management and recovery.
Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
The diagnosis for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) rests on the evaluation of the emotional, behavioural and cognitive symptoms that the individual shows.
The health professionals in charge utilise clinical evaluations, descriptive or standardised criteria, and other methods of diagnosis to separate BPD from other mental health conditions.
Clinical Assessment & Screening
The diagnosis of BPD begins from the time the mental health professionals conduct the interviews and evaluations which are clinically structured.
Screening tools , case history, and other manifestations of the disorders help in identifying BPD from other complex mental disorders.
Thorough evaluation of psychological health aids in the formation of an appropriate diagnosis which is necessary for the establishment of a treatment procedure that addresses the needs of an individual.
DSM-5 Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder
To diagnose BPD, a person has to meet five out of the nine criteria symptoms, which include severe mood changes, interpersonal relationships, and behavioural aspects like self-destructive impulsivity, within the emotional detachment category. For a clinical diagnosis, symptoms must be present universally and disrupt the individual’s ability to function in day-to-day activities.
Differential Diagnosis
BPD is hard to diagnose as it bears high resemblance features of bipolar disorder, narcissism, or even depression. Screening for anxiety, PTSD, drug or alcohol abuse, and other coexisting disorders further helps understand the person’s mental health.
Challenges in Diagnosing & Measuring Borderline Personality Disorder
Diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is always difficult due to overlapping symptoms with bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and even depression. Getting a diagnosis correctly is very important to avoid classification errors and apply the best borderline personality disorder treatment methods.
Social & Cultural Challenges
BPD is often misconstrued and is associated with considerable sociological stigma. In general, there is considerable social misunderstanding of personality disorders, which creates negative perceptions of people with BPD. One common stereotype is that individuals with BPD are manipulative rather than being in genuine emotional pain.
Diagnostic & Medical Limitations
Diagnosis of BPD relies on the criteria specified in the DSM-5, like all other disorders. Unlike other disorders, BPD does not have a medical confirmatory test. A large number of BPD symptoms potentially coexisting with other disorders like depression or bipolar disorder make an overlap diagnosis very common.
Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder
It is necessary to combine psychotherapy, medication (when appropriate), and self-treatment to effectively manage BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder).
Self-treatment techniques, especially physiotherapy, help in managing emotions, coping, and improving social interactions while medication helps in managing the existing borderline personality disorder symptoms.
Psychotherapy & Counselling
Therapy is the cornerstone of BPD treatment. These psychotherapeutic approaches are designed to target emotional regulation, behavioural patterns, and interpersonal difficulties associated with the disorder.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – The gold standard for BPD, focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps manage impulsivity, reduce self-destructive behaviours, and challenge negative thought patterns.
- Schema Therapy – Addresses deep-rooted emotional patterns and core beliefs that contribute to maladaptive behaviours.
- Other Therapeutic Approaches- Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT) and Transference-Focused Therapy (TFP), may also be beneficial.
Medication (If Needed)
While not a standalone solution, medication can support therapeutic efforts. These options help manage co-occurring symptoms and stabilise mood when emotional extremes are present.
- Mood stabilisers – Help regulate emotional swings and reduce impulsivity.
- Antidepressants – Used for treating co-occurring depression and anxiety.
- Antipsychotics – Prescribed in severe cases to manage mood instability, paranoia, or dissociation.
- Medication: It is typically used as a supportive measure alongside therapy for borderline personality disorder rather than a primary treatment.
Coping Strategies & Self-Management for BPD
Self-management techniques empower individuals with BPD to regulate emotions, build healthier relationships, and handle crises more effectively.
Emotional Regulation Techniques
Emotional regulation is central to BPD self-management. These techniques help reduce reactivity, enhance self-awareness, and anchor individuals during intense emotional experiences.
- Journaling – Expressing thoughts and feelings to process emotions constructively.
- Grounding exercises – Techniques like deep breathing and sensory awareness to stay connected to reality.
Building Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are possible with BPD. These strategies focus on establishing clear boundaries, improving communication, and slowly building trust through consistent emotional engagement.
- Setting boundaries – Learning to establish and maintain personal limits in relationships.
- Communication skills – Developing assertiveness and clarity in expressing emotions.
- Trust building – Gradually forming secure connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
Crisis Management
Managing crises effectively is crucial for safety and stability. These methods provide immediate tools to cope with overwhelming emotions and reduce harmful behaviours.
- Handling self-harm urges – Using distraction techniques, reaching out for support, and practising self-soothing strategies.
- Managing emotional triggers – Identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and creating a crisis plan.
- Seeking professional help – Recognising when immediate intervention is necessary to prevent escalation.
Why Choose Cadabam’s Hospitals for BPD Treatment?
Cadabam’s Hospitals provide specialised, evidence-based treatment for individuals with BPD, offering a holistic approach that focuses on long-term recovery and emotional stability.
Specialised Treatment Programs
At Cadabam’s Hospitals, treatment plans are customised for each individual. These tailored programmes address core borderline personality disorder symptoms and promote long-term emotional and behavioural stability.
- Tailored therapies, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy, to address core borderline personality disorder symptoms.
- Comprehensive programs are designed to foster emotional regulation, behaviour modification, and distress tolerance.
- Individualised borderline personality disorder treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Multidisciplinary Team of Experts
Recovery is guided by a skilled team. These professionals collaborate to deliver integrated care, blending therapy, medication, and support for lasting BPD management.
- Integrated care that combines psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic interventions.
- Evidence-based strategies to support long-term emotional and mental well-being.
Holistic Recovery & Long-Term Support
Healing doesn’t end with symptom relief. These long-term support systems help reinforce progress, prevent relapse, and build a sustainable path to emotional well-being.
- Emphasis on building emotional resilience through structured therapy sessions.
- Aftercare programs are designed to ensure sustainable recovery and prevent relapse.
Get Expert Help for Borderline Personality Disorder at Cadabam’s Hospitals
Struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder?
Cadabam’s Hospitals offer specialised treatment programs, expert therapists, and holistic recovery plans to help you regain emotional stability. With evidence-based therapies like DBT and personalised care, we support long-term healing. Take the first step towards recovery—reach out to Cadabam’s Hospitals today!
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their Borderline Personality Disorder. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.
FAQ
What are the main symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) includes fear of abandonment, self-destructive actions, mood shifts, self-harm, emptiness, intense anger, poor self-image, unstable relationships, identity struggles, and sociopathic tendencies.
What is a borderline personality person like?
Comprehensive assessments reveal that people who have borderline personality disorder often look like they have some form of low self-worth combined with high levels of risk-seeking behaviour. Their emotions are always very elevated, but they can fluctuate without notice. Their self-image is volatile, which suggests the presence of a distorted body image.
Can you overcome BPD?
People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can make a significant difference in the way they live, love, and manage emotions using appropriate treatment that contains self-help, medications when necessary, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, also known as DBT.
What does untreated BPD look like?
Without proper treatment, symptoms of BPD can result in self-harm, thoughts or attempts at suicide, intense mood swings, aggressive behaviour toward others, and feelings of hopeless panic. The cluster includes feelings of emptiness, uncontrollable anger, self-injurious behaviours, insomnia, work-related issues or other social avoidance problems.
Is Borderline Personality Disorder curable?
In ordinary, unmedical terms, yes, but that does not mean it’s incredibly simple. The claim that BPD is ‘unsettable’ is somewhat false. Numerous people notice changes for the better with therapy for borderline personality disorder, particularly DBT, along with long-term care.
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