Borderline Personality Disorder

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Quick Summary:

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by mood instability and poor self-image. People with this disorder are prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger. Often, they will take their anger out on themselves, causing injury to their own body. Suicidal threats and actions are not uncommon. Borderlines think in very black and white terms and often form intense, conflict-ridden relationships. They are quick to anger when their expectations are not met.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder:

• Self-injury or attempted suicide
• Strong feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression that last for several hours
• Impulsive behavior
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Feelings of low self-worth
• Unstable relationships with friends, family, and boyfriends/girlfriends

Additional Information:

Borderline personality disorder was so-named because it was originally thought to be at the "borderline" of psychosis. The disorder is relatively common, affecting 2% of adults. Women are much more likely to suffer borderline than men. Nearly 20% of psychiatric hospitalizations are due to borderline. With treatment, patients are often able to see their symptoms improve.

Treatment involves therapy in which the patient learns to talk through his or her feelings rather than unleashing them in destructive and self-defeating ways. Medication may be helpful, and treatment of any alcohol or substance abuse issues is required. Brief hospitalization is sometimes required, especially in cases involving psychotic episodes or suicide threats or attempts.

Talk about this issue on our borderline forum.

Books on Borderline Personality Disorder

Get Me Out of Here : My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder
"As the 29-year old accountant, wife, and mother of young children would soon discover, it was the diagnosis that finally explained her explosive anger, manipulative behaviors, and self-destructive episodes- including bouts of anorexia, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity."

Stop Walking on Eggshells; Coping When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
"A self-help guide that helps the family members and friends of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) understand this self-destructive disorder and learn what they can do to cope with it and take care of themselves."

Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified: An Essential Guide to Understanding and Living With BPD
"Dr. Robert Friedel, a leading expert on the disorder and a pioneer in its treatment, turns his vast personal experience into a useful and supportive guide for everyone living with and seeking to understand this condition."

I Hate You, Don't Leave Me : Understanding the Borderline Personality
"Dr. Jerold J. Kreisman and health writer Hal Straus offer much-needed professional advice, helping victims and their families to understand and cope with this troubling, shockingly widespread affliction."

The Angry Heart: Overcoming Borderline and Addictive Disorders : An Interactive Self-Help Guide
"Self-study is sometimes the best route for the BPD who is serious about getting better."

Sometimes I Act Crazy : Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
"Do you experience frightening, often violent mood swings that make you fear for your sanity? Are you often depressed? Do you engage in self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, anorexia, compulsive eating, self-cutting, and hair pulling? Do you feel empty inside, or as if you don’t know who you are?"

Girl, Interrupted (DVD)
"Winona Ryder conveys the confusion and chaos that signified Kaysen's life during nearly 18 months of voluntary institutionalization beginning in 1967."

Where to Get More Help and Information

• BPD at the National Institute of Mental Health
• Borderline Personality Disorder Research Foundation
• BPD Central