Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Therapy
Borderline personality disorder is a much misunderstood mental health condition. BPD is often a response to relational trauma in childhood or early adulthood. Violent, abusive, or unstable family relationships in childhood make it very difficult for people with BPD to relate to others, without fearing rejection and hurt.
Their emotional regulation abilities are under-developed and untrained because of traumatic childhood experiences, and their feelings often get expressed in anger. The combination of factors causes the individual to struggle in relationships with others. They also have difficulties arising from an inherently unstable sense of self – often feeling like they don’t know themselves, and don’t understand their own emotions.
In the hands of an experienced professional, borderline tendencies can be unpacked, trauma healed, and relationships taken forward in a new way. At DrAmrit.org, we treat every individual with empathy and respect, and we help traumatised individuals navigate their own feelings and that of others.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
What Are Common Signs & Symptoms Of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Emotional & Mood-Related Symptoms
- Intense emotional reactions
- Sudden mood swings
- Difficulty in soothing once distressed
Behavioural Symptoms
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Anger outbursts
- In extreme cases, self-harm or even suicide ideation
Symptoms Related to Relationships
- Abandonment fears
- Unstable relationships
- Oscillating between idealising and devaluing others
Cognitive Symptoms
- Distorted self-image
- Suspiciousness or feeling “disconnected”
- Brief paranoid episodes related to stress
What Is The Difference Between BPD And Bipolar Disorder?
- Bipolar disorder entails episodic mood swings-manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes-lasting days to weeks.
- Mood shifts in Borderline Personality Diorder are very rapid-occurring, brought on by interactions with others
- Treatment methods vary, and hence correct diagnosis is very important when differentiating borderline personality disorder from bipolar.
- Knowing the difference helps an individual to seek the right support and therapy.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?
Genetic Factors
Childhood Experiences
Brain & Neurobiology
Comorbid Conditions Associated with BPD
What Are Some Myths and Facts About BPD?
Myth
People with BPD are manipulative.
Fact
Rather than being manipulative, their actions typically reflect intense emotional suffering.
Myth:
There is no treatment for BPD.
Fact
The effectiveness of modern therapies is well established in the scientific literature.
Myth
Relationships are impossible for people with BPD.
Fact
Many individuals develop and maintain steady, satisfying relationships with support and treatment.
How Do I Support Someone With BPD?
Supporting someone with borderline personality disorder requires patience and understanding first and foremost. Other helpful attributes are validation, not being defensive, encouragement towards professional intervention, and setting boundaries.Learning nuances of borderline personality disorder also helps family members more clearly understand mood changes. Counselling or psychological therapy are vital to help not just the individual with BPD, but also to help their loved ones cope with the disorder.
How Is BPD Treated?
The treatment is often effective with specialists in borderline personality disorder who possess deep knowledge of the condition. A clinical psychologist would be best able to help, sometimes with the support of a psychiatrist.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Schema Therapy
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
An individualized psychotherapeutic treatment that has the stated purpose of improving self-image, emotional processing, and relational stability.
A competent borderline personality disorder would be able to integrate elements of each of the above treatment modalities to bring about significant changes in functioning, confidence, and emotional stability.
Can an Individual With BPD Live A Fulfilling Life?
Yes, with therapy, support, and healthy coping tools, individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder can have a life that feels fulfilling and worthwhile.