Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Overview

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), sometimes known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder distinguished by a long-term pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, a disordered sense of self, and intense psychological reactions. Those affected frequently engage in self-harm and other harmful behaviors, typically as a result of their inability to return to a healthy or normal emotional baseline.

They may also experience feelings of emptiness, abandonment, and separation from reality. BPD symptoms might be triggered by circumstances that appear normal to others. BPD often originates in early adulthood and manifests itself in a number of scenarios. BPD is frequently connected with substance use disorders, depression, and eating disorders. Suicide may be attempted by 8 to 10% of those suffering from the disorder. The condition is frequently vilified in the media and in the psychiatric community, and as a result, it is frequently underdiagnosed.

The causes of BPD are unknown, however genetic, neurological, environmental, and social variables appear to play a role. It occurs around five times more frequently in people who have a close family who is affected. Adverse life experiences appear to play a role as well. The underlying mechanism appears to involve a neuronal network in the frontolimbic region. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases (DSM) classifies BPD as a personality disorder, along with nine other similar disorders. The illness must be distinguished from, for example, an identity disorder or substance use disorders.