Information

On the borderline has a minion!

No Grey the Splittifish

On the borderline
Legacy Name: On the borderline

The

Silver Antlephore
Owner:

Stitching

Age: 6 years, 8 months

Born: August 25th, 2017

Adopted: 6 years, 8 months ago

Adopted: August 25th, 2017

Pet Spotlight Winner
November 15th, 2019

Statistics

Level: 1
Strength: 10
Defense: 10
Speed: 10
Health: 10
HP: 10/10
Intelligence: 0
Books Read: 0
Food Eaten: 0
Job: Unemployed

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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder is a condition that is diagnosed as the inability to regulate emotions properly. This means individuals diagnosed with BPD often experience emotions much more intensely than those without BPD. Those with BPD often experience these emotions for very extended periods of time. Individuals with BPD often struggle to maintain a stable baseline of emotions after an emotionally triggering event. (I.E. A break-up, a death, a new love interest) Those with BPD often find difficulties lead to impulsivity, stormy/rocky relationships, and intense emotional responses to stressors in their lives. With struggling to self-regulate emotions this can lead to harmful self destructive behaviors. (I.E. Cutting, Drinking, Drugs)

Who does Borderline Personality Disorder effect?

It is estimated that nearly 1.6% Of the United States population of adults has been diagnosed with BPD. However the number might actually be as high as 5.9%. Nearly 75% of those diagnosed with BPD are women. Recent studies suggest that the amount of men that might be effected could be equal to that of women. However, men are more commonly misdiagnosed with PTSD or depression instead of the BPD diagnosis.

What are some symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder or ways to determine a diagnosis of BPD?

Symptoms of BPD may include the following but are not limited to this:

Wide mood swings.

A great sense of instability and insecurity.

Frantic efforts to avoid real or fantasized abandonment by friends/family.

Unstable personal relationships, often split between idealization and devaluation. (I.E. I AM SO IN LOVE to They hate me and I should go die.) This is also known as "Splitting."

Impulsive behaviors that can have rather dangerous outcomes. (I.E. Excessive spending, excessive drinking, unsafe sex, reckless driving, abuse of drugs.)

Extremely unsafe self harm behaviors and suicide attempts. (I.E.Cutting, drinking till you black out, partaking in illicit drugs.)

Dissociative feelings: where one disconnects from their thoughts/feelings. Sometimes referred to as an "Out of body" experience.

What causes Borderline Personality Disorder?

While the causes of BPD are not fully understood, scientists agree there are some factors that can contribute to the development of Borderline Personality disorder. Some of those factors are as follows:

Genetics: There is no specific gene or gene profile that can be pinpointed to cause this, studies have been conducted on twins have been known to heavily suggest that BPD has strong hereditary linkage. Individuals that have a first degree relative diagnosed with this disorder are five times more likely to have this disorder themselves.

Environmental Factors: Individuals who experience traumatic life events are at a higher risk of developing BPD. (IE Childhood Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Neglect from Parents, Separation from Parents.)

Brain Function: The regulation of emotions in individuals with BPD may be different from those without BPD. This suggests that some symptoms may indeed be neurological. More specifically this means that the sections that regulate emotional response as well as decision making/judgement may be impaired when communicating with each other.

How is Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosed?

While there is no real definitive way to diagnose BPD, there are many deciding factors that contribute to the diagnosis. BPD is not diagnosed by one singular symptom or sign. It is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. A comprehensive clinical interview is conducted with the mental health professional to arrive at the diagnosis of this disorder. The interview might include but is not limited to talking with previous treating physicians, reviewing previous medical records, reviewing previous medical evaluations, and possibly talking to friends and family in concerns to the individual.

What are some forms of treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder?

An effective treatment plan should be in place for BPD. It should contain the individuals preferences and also address any other co-existing conditions that the individual may have. Treatment examples can include group therapy (with other individuals with BPD.), psychotherapy, medications, peer/family support, psychiatric assistance, and short term hospitalization. Certain forms of therapy known to help with BPD are as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is often the first line of treatment for those with BPD. Learning ways to cope with emotional dysregulation in a therapeutic setting is often the key to long term improvement for individuals with BPD. Medication is also a great way to assist with treating symptoms caused by BPD. There is not just one medication that will treat BPD as a whole, rather there are medications to treat individual aspects/symptoms caused by this disorder. For example some medications that might be prescribed are mood stabilizers, anti-depressants (to assist with mood swings and dysphoria.), and for some individuals a low-dose anti-psychotic.(To help with symptoms of disorganized thinking.)

Helpful links for more information on Borderline Personality Disorder:

Nami on Borderline Personality Disorder

National Institute of Mental Health on BPD

Mayo Clinic on BPD

Psychology today on BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder - Awareness Month of May!

BPD Awareness Week in Australia!

BPD awareness week on Facebook

BPD Foundation Awareness Week in Australia