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BPD Treatment, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

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If you or your loved one deal with BPD, treatment can be is a must. To learn more, contact us today at We Level Up FL Mental Health Center, we provide utmost care with doctors and medical staff available 24/7 for life-changing and lasting recovery.

By We Level Up FL Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 10, 2023

BPD Treatment & Symptoms

  • People with BPD experience rapid mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly.
  • Impulsivity. This means that you like to do things on the spur of the moment.
  • Impulsivity. This means that you like to do things on the spur of the moment.
  • Feeling bad about yourself.
  • Controlling your emotions.
  • Self-harming behavior, such as cutting.
  • Suicidal thoughts and attempts to take your own life because of fear of separation
  • Ongoing feelings of emptiness.
  • Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that include shifting goals and values, and seeing yourself as bad or as if you don’t exist at all
  • Feeling paranoid or depressed.
  • Hearing voices or noises when you are stressed.
  • Intense but unstable relationships with others.

If you’re aware that you have any of the signs or symptoms above, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider for BPD treatments. If you have fantasies or mental images about hurting yourself or have other suicidal thoughts, get help right away. 

Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder

Individuals with BPD may experience intense mood swings and feel uncertainty about how they see themselves. Their feelings for others can change quickly, and swing from extreme closeness to extreme dislike. These changing feelings can lead to unstable relationships and emotional pain.

People with BPD also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their interests and values can change quickly, and they may act impulsively or recklessly.

Other signs of BPD may include:

  • Efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment, such as plunging headfirst into relationships—or ending them just as quickly.
  • A pattern of intense and unstable relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
  • A distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self.
  • Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, such as spending sprees, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, and binge eating. Please note: If these behaviors happen mostly during times of elevated mood or energy, they may be symptoms of a mood disorder and not BPD.
  • Self-harming behavior, such as cutting.
  • Recurring thoughts of suicidal behaviors or threats.
  • Intense and highly variable moods, with episodes lasting from a few hours to a few days.
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness.
  • Inappropriate, intense anger or problems controlling anger.
  • Feelings of dissociation, such as feeling cut off from oneself, observing oneself from outside one’s body, or feelings of unreality.

BPD and Co-Occurring Disorders

Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These co-occurring disorders can make it harder to diagnose and treat borderline personality disorder, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with symptoms of the disorder. For example, a person with BPD also may be more likely to experience symptoms of major depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or eating disorders.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use disorder often need to be treated simultaneously. Half of the individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder have active substance use disorders, which increases the risk that they will engage in self-destructive behavior, harm themselves or attempt suicide. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for both conditions.

BPD and Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder covers a range of mood disorders characterized by major shifts in mood. The shifts in mood can range from manic or hypomanic high moods to depressed low moods. Borderline personality disorder (BPD), on the other hand, is a personality disorder marked by instability in behaviors, functioning, mood, and self-image.

Most people who have a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and BPD receive one diagnosis before the other. That’s because the symptoms of one disorder can overlap and sometimes mask the other. Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed first because symptoms can change. This makes it more difficult to detect BPD symptoms. With time and treatment for one disorder, the other may become clearer.

Treatment for BPD usually includes psychotherapy, but medication may be added. Treatment of BPD may employ DBT. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was the first form of psychotherapy found to be effective for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Treatment for BPD usually includes psychotherapy, but medication may be added. Treatment of BPD may employ DBT. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was the first form of psychotherapy found to be effective for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

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Borderline Personality Disorder

Facts

Individual talk therapy may successfully treat BPD. In addition, group therapy and books about borderline personality disorder can sometimes be helpful. Medications have less of a role in the treatment of BPD. But in some cases, they can improve mood swings and treat depression or other disorders that may occur with this condition.


BPD Treatments

BPD was once thought untreatable. However, this isn’t the case, and we now know there are effective treatments for BPD. Many people with BPD find relief from distress through therapy.


Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan. This form of therapy teaches you to live and cope with difficult and overwhelming emotions. DBT is the most common form of treatment for BPD. Each skill set helps alleviate symptoms associated with BPD.

Dialectical behavioral therapy teaches you four main skill sets:

  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Emotional regulation
  • Distress tolerance
  • Mindfulness

Mentalization-Based Therapy

Mentalization-based therapy helps you develop an awareness of your inner state. Another significant focus of mentalization-based therapy is developing empathy for other peoples’ experiences.

Research in 2018 suggests that this therapy could significantly reduce the severity of BPD symptoms and the severity of co-existing conditions and improve quality of life. The authors note that more research is still needed, though.


Medication

No single medication is effective for BPD, but medications may relieve some symptoms.

For example, medications may help with mood stabilization. If you think medication might help you, consider talking with a doctor about your symptoms.


If you think you may benefit from borderline personality disorder therapies, you can contact We Level Up FL for treatment resources.
If you think you may benefit from BPD treatments, you can contact We Level Up FL for treatment resources.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your provider if you or someone you know has symptoms of borderline personality disorder. It is especially important to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

[2] Source: Borderline personality disorder – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health

Borderline Personality Disorder Statistics

BPD is best managed with an interprofessional team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, mental health nurses, and social workers. In the United States, recent research has shown that 1.6% of the population has BPD. That number may seem small, but when you consider just how large the United States is, you may realize that 1.6% represents quite a large number of people. A borderline personality disorder is one of the most challenging mental health disorders to manage. [1]


1.4%

It’s estimated that 1.4% of the adult U.S. population experiences BPD.

Source: NCBI

75%

Nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are women.

Source: NCBI

20%

Surveys have estimated the prevalence of borderline personality disorder to be 20% in the inpatient psychiatric population.

Source: NCBI


Causes of BPD

Genetics

  • You may be more vulnerable to BPD if a close family member also lives with BPD.

Brain chemicals 

  • Problems with brain chemical levels, particularly serotonin. Altered levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and aggression.

Brain development 

  • Many people who live with BPD have smaller, or more active parts of their brain. Therefore, affecting your emotions and behavior. The scans revealed that in many people with BPD, 3 parts of the brain were either smaller than expected.

Environmental factors

  • A number of environmental factors seem to be common with people who live with BPD. It includes abuse, long-term fear, bipolar, and substance abuse.
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BPD Diagnosis

Only a psychiatrist should make a formal diagnosis. A psychiatrist is part of the community mental health team (CMHT). Community mental health teams help people with complex mental health conditions such as BPD. Its symptoms affect your relationships with people close to you. Therefore, involving them makes them aware of your condition and makes the BPD treatments more effective. In addition, a licensed mental health professional or clinical social worker can diagnose borderline personality disorder by:

  • Completing a thorough interview, including a discussion about symptoms
  • Performing a careful and thorough medical exam, which can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms
  • Asking about family medical histories, including any history of mental illness

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

  • Depression or Bipolar Disorder
  • Substance Abuse Disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
Many individuals with BPD will benefit from the comprehensive support a BPD inpatient treatment provides.
Many individuals with BPD will benefit from the comprehensive support a BPD inpatient treatment provides.

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BPD Treatment

BPD treatments may include medication, psychotherapy, and therapeutic communities. Although, in times of crisis, individuals with BPD require brief periods of hospitalization to remain safe.

People with BPD also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.

Healing is a matter of breaking the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.  It’s not easy to change lifelong habits. With this in mind, choosing to pause, reflect, and then act in new ways will feel unnatural and uncomfortable at first. However, with time you’ll form new habits that help you maintain your emotional balance and stay in control.

Psychotherapy for BPD Treatments

Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment for people with borderline personality disorder. Long-term outpatient psychotherapy is an important part of any treatment for BPD.

Two examples of psychotherapies used to treat borderline personality disorder are:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BPD Treatments

  • It uses concepts of mindfulness and acceptance. In other words, it teaches skills that can help control intense emotions and improve relationships. DBT focuses on helping people change their behavior patterns, as opposed to trying to think or talk through the issues they are struggling with.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for BPD Treatments

  • This type of therapy can help people with borderline personality disorder identify and change the person’s behaviors.  Above all, it helps reduce a range of mood and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, reducing the number of suicidal or self-harming behaviors. It focuses on reasoning and rationale.

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BPD Treatment Medication

Certain medications may help with symptoms or co-occurring problems such as depression, impulsiveness, aggression, or anxiety. Medications may include antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood-stabilizing drugs.

The types of treatment will vary depending on the individual’s BPD symptoms and history of BPD treatment.

Drugs that are used for BPD treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that affect serotonin levels in the brain; mood stabilizers used to treat mood swings; anti-psychotics to treat BPD behaviors such as anger outbursts and hallucinations; and anti-depressants for BPD symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

Medication can be a useful tool for stabilizing mood, preventing suicidal behavior, dampening impulsivity and anxiety, treating depression, and managing many other symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

BPD Inpatient Treatment

When you or your loved one enters inpatient BPD treatment for borderline personality disorder, you can expect to receive comprehensive services that have been customized according to your specific needs, and that is provided in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

The BPD Inpatient Treatment program is staffed 24 hours a day by psychiatrists, nurses trained in BPD care plans, masters-level clinicians specifically trained in BPD assessment techniques

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The decision to enter a BPD residential treatment centers shouldn’t be taken lightly. Hopefully, this article can help you to make the decision that is best for you and your family.
The decision to enter a BPD inpatient treatment center shouldn’t be taken lightly. Hopefully, this article can help you to make the decision that is best for you and your family.

BPD Treatment Near Me at We Level Up Florida Mental Health Center

BPD increases the risk that an individual will engage in self-destructive behavior, harm themselves, or attempt suicide. Fortunately, there are effective “treatments of BPD” available.

The [2] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends psychotherapy for people with BPD and substance abuse. Furthermore, co-occurring diagnosis integrated mental health therapy for BPD Treatment can help redirect the individual’s focus to developing new skills and employment potential.

Searching for BPD treatment near me? If you or your loved one deal with BPD, treatment is necessary. To learn more, contact us today at We Level Up FL BPD Treatment Centers, we provide the utmost care with doctors and medical staff available 24/7 for life-changing and lasting recovery. We provide an enhanced opportunity to return to a fulfilling and productive life.

  1. What is the best treatment for BPD?

    Psychotherapy — also called talk therapy — is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder. Usually, BPD is treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, although during times of crisis, individuals with BPD may require brief periods of hospitalization to remain safe.

  2. What is BPD inpatient treatment?

    When the BPD leads to severe impairment or impulsive and harmful behaviors that place the person or others in danger a BPD inpatient treatment center is the necessary level of care. These programs offer an opportunity to delve into the specific features of the BPD and then establish an individualized treatment plan.

  3. What are BPD residential treatment centers?

    The goal of BPD residential treatment centers is to address the immediate issues BPD can create, such as identifying and minimizing inappropriate behaviors and creating more healthy interpersonal relationships. BPD residential treatment centers can provide a highly structured environment that will allow you to maintain and expand your independence. 

  4. What is the BPD treatment success rate?

    Follow-up studies of people with BPD receiving treatment found a borderline personality disorder treatment success rate of about 50% over a 10-year period. BPD takes time to improve, but treatment does work.

  5. How to respond to BPD silent treatment?

    The silent treatment is a refusal to communicate verbally with another person. People who use the silent treatment may even refuse to acknowledge the presence of the other person. How a person responds to silent treatment depends on whether or not their partner is being abusive. 

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Sources

[1] National Center for Biotechnology Information – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145127/ Trull TJ, Freeman LK, Vebares TJ, Choate AM, Helle AC, Wycoff AM. Borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders: an updated review. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2018 Sep 19;5:15. doi: 10.1186/s40479-018-0093-9. PMID: 30250740; PMCID: PMC6145127.

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/rrcomorbidity.pdf

[3] Ripoll LH. Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Jun;15(2):213-24. DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/lripoll. PMID: 24174895; PMCID: PMC3811092.

[4] Borderline personality disorder – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health

[5] 18 Signs You Grew Up With ‘Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder’ – The Mighty Available from: https://themighty.com/topic/borderline-personality-disorder/quiet-borderline-personality-disorder-bpd-signs-child/treatment bpd/

[6] National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). Borderline Personality Disorder: Treatment and Management. Leicester (UK): British Psychological Society (UK); 2009. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 78.) 2, BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55415/

[7] Borderline Personality Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

[8] Subbarao BS, Silverman A, Eapen BC. Seizure Medications. [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Treatments of BPD Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482269/

[9] Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D. Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun;19(2):93-107. DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelow. PMID: 28867934; PMCID: PMC5573566.

[10] Olabi B, Hall J. Borderline personality disorder: current drug treatments and prospects. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2010 Mar;1(2):59-66. DOI: 10.1177/2040622310368455. PMID: 23251729; PMCID: PMC3513859.

[11] Borderline Personality Disorder – MentalHealth.gov U.S. Department of Health & Human Services