1. What is BPD?
According to the National Institute, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. To be diagnosed with BPD, you must be 18 years old and display five out of nine main symptoms [see: 2. Symptoms of BPD for more information]
2. Symptoms of BPD
In order to be diagnosed with BPD, you must display AT LEAST five out of the nine symptoms. The nine symptoms are state below:
Fear of Abandonment
Unstable Relationships
Unclear or Shifting Self-Image
Impulsive Behaviors
Self Harm Behaviors
Extreme Emotional Swings
Chronic Emptiness
Explosive Anger
Being Out of Touch w/ Reality
Click here for a more in depth explanation of the symptoms!
3. BPD Statistics
Prevalence of BPD
In the U.S. population is 1.6%, meaning over five million people live with BPD in America.
AFAB vs AMAB
AFAB [assigned female at birth] people are 75% more likely to be given a BPD diagnosis than AMAB [assigned male at birth] people. This is possibly do for AFAB people being more likely to seek treatment and gender bias in psychology.
Suicidality
Up to 70% of people with BPD will have at least one suicide attempt in their lifetime and up to 10% of people with BPD will succeed in taking their own lives
Misdiagnosis
Up to 40% of people with BPD have been misdiagnosed with other disorders like bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder
Co-Occuring Disorders
In most cases, a person with BPD will have a co-occuring disorder(s), some of which are the following: ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder], MDD [Major Depressive Disorder], substance abuse, PTSD [Post-traumatic Stress Disorder], eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and other personality disorders
4. BPD Treatments
The most effective treatment for BPD is dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT. A combination of various therapies and medication have shown to improve the quality of life for people with BPD, such as the following:
Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Anger management
Transference focused psychotherapy
Schema therapy
Medications
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Mood Stabilizers
(Anticonvulsants)
Anxiolytics
5. BPD Terms
Favorite Person
A term used by people with BPS to describe people that they depend on, feel very strongly for, and usually split on more than other people. Your favorite person is sometimes your significant other, sometimes not, all depending on the person. You can have multiple fps, just one, or even none- you do not have to have an favorite person to have BPD
Splitting
A sudden switch in emotions that has to do with black-and-white or all-or-nothing thinking that people with BPD experience. you can split on people, objects, activities, or really anything that you have emotions towards. it is usually and extremely dramatic change (eg. “I love you, you’re my favorite” straight to “I hate you, i never want to see you again”).
Acting In/Acting Out
Used to separate different types of coping methods. Acting in pertains to self-involved destruction (withdrawal, self-loathing, avoidance), and acting out defines outward destruction (anger, yelling, shoplifting).
6. Stigma Around BPD
BPD is a complex and misunderstood disorder. Because of misconceptions surrounding it, studies have shown that even some mental health professionals hold these beliefs and that leads to the refusal to treat BPD. Common stereotypes include that BPD patients are dramatic, manipulative, and attention-seeking. These stereotypes can cause therapists to not take symptoms or fears seriously, negatively impacting one’s health. It can also interfere with treatment, causing mental health professionals to emotionally distance themselves from clients or be unwilling to help and therapeutically engage. The media’s portrayal of BPD also worsens the stigma. In horror films, villains are usually BPD coded, such as Norma Bates from Bates Motel. However, through education, we can combat the stigma!
7. How You Can Help
The biggest way you can help is to donate to organizations dedicated to the education and the treatment of BPD. Another important way you can help is to educate yourself on the topic of BPD. Below are some amazing organizations that you can donate to or use to educate yourself on BPD:
TARA4BPD
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified