Borderline Personality Disorder

Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional using:

• Detailed interview: A comprehensive discussion with your doctor or mental health provider.

• Mental health evaluation: May include structured questionnaires and assessments.

• Medical history and exam: To rule out other conditions.

• Symptom discussion: Reviewing emotional patterns, behaviors, and relationships.

Note: BPD is usually diagnosed in adults. Symptoms in children or teenagers may change as they mature.

Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, sometimes combined with medications. Hospitalization may be recommended if safety is a concern. Effective treatment can help you manage emotions, improve relationships, and lead a more stable life.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy is the main approach for BPD. Goals include:

• Improve functioning in daily life.

• Manage uncomfortable emotions effectively.

• Reduce impulsivity by noticing feelings instead of acting on them.

• Enhance relationships by understanding your feelings and others’ emotions.

• Increase understanding of borderline personality disorder.

Types of effective talk therapy:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Skills-based individual and group therapy to manage emotions, handle distress, and improve relationships.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change distorted beliefs, reduce mood swings, and manage anxiety.

• Schema-Focused Therapy: Focuses on altering negative thought patterns.

• Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Helps you observe thoughts and feelings, encouraging thoughtful responses.

• STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem-Solving): A 20-week program involving groups with family or caregivers, used alongside other therapies.

• Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): Builds insight into emotions and relationships through the therapist-patient relationship, applying lessons to real-life situations.

Medications

While no medications are FDA-approved specifically for BPD, certain drugs may help manage symptoms or co-occurring conditions:

• Antidepressants

• Antipsychotics

• Mood stabilizers

Discuss potential benefits and side effects with your doctor or mental health provider.

Hospitalization

In some cases, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary to:

• Protect you from self-harm

• Manage suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Allow intensive therapy and support

Recovery and Management

• Learning emotional and behavioral management takes time.

• Most people improve, but some symptoms may persist.

• Treatment helps improve functioning and self-esteem.

• Success is higher when working with experienced mental health professionals.