May Is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an illness often stemming from a history of childhood trauma

. Disrupted family relationships, abandonment, sexual abuse and poor communication within the family are risk factors for this devastating disorder. It is estimated that 5.9% of the general public struggles with this. People with BPD have very unstable moods, swinging from rage to joy and love to hate in the blink of an eye. They also have problems with impulse control. These factors set the stage for very intense, chaotic relationships in both the teen years and into adulthood.

People with Borderline Personality Disorder view themselves as victims, accepting little responsibility for the problems in their own lives and feel helpless to change. They commonly see situations as either good or bad, with no middle ground. These people also resist being alone and are extremely afraid of being disregarded by those close to them, which may lead them to mistakenly interpret someone's behavior as abandonment. Depression, anxiety and feelings of emptiness further complicate the situation. Sadly, people with BPD long for human connection; however, their wild mood swings and extremely impulsive behaviors create tension in their relationships.

Impulsiveness has been known to lead to financial problems, shoplifting, excessive risk taking, and health problems, including eating disorders and substance abuse. Self-mutilation, such as cutting, scratching or overdosing are also common in these patients.

Those suffering from this disorder are often resistant to treatment, which puts their chances for normal interaction at risk. BPD affects more women than men and is seen more often in psychiatric patients who have been hospitalized. Medication to stabilize mood swings and to lessen the symptoms of depression is one facet of treatment. Because authority figures trigger resistance in people with BPD, group therapy may be a more successful route than individualized therapy. In group therapy, peers are able to provide support, give encouragement and are viewed as equals by the patient.

This disease makes up 20% of all in-patient psychiatric hospitalizations and 11% of out-patient psychiatric treatment programs. One out of 10 people with BPD will ultimately commit suicide, which is the most shocking statistic of all.

Loved ones and family members trying to support someone with BPD may be depressed themselves. Guilt and helplessness in the face of this illness result in isolation and a deep sense of despair. Three-quarters of family members participating in one online support group reported themselves as being in therapy to handle their own feelings about Borderline Personality Disorder.

by: Stephen Daniels

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