How Do I Know If I Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is a common illness. It is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, which causes problems in entering normally into daily life.
2% of the Spanish population suffers from this type of disorder. Almost 75% of people diagnosed with this disorder are women, but recent research suggests that the percentage of men affected may equal that of women. These people have many difficulties regulating emotions and impulses These difficulties in regulating emotions cause changes in mood, self-image, great instability and problems in interpersonal relationships.
With borderline personality disorder you have a deep fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have a conflict in tolerating being alone.
Borderline personality disorder commonly begins in adolescence The disorder appears to be worse in early adulthood and may improve with age.
The causes are not yet fully understood, but they are most likely a mix of genetic, family, social and stressful life factors.
1. Genetics
No specific gene has been shown to cause the disorder. But this type of disorder has been shown to It is approximately five times more common among people who have a first-degree relative with BPD (Borderline personality disorder).
2. Environmental factors
Those people who suffer traumatic events in their lives, such as, for example, mistreatment or physical or sexual abuse during childhood or neglect, are more likely to develop the disorder.
The functional shape of the brain is different in people with borderline personality disorder, this means that there is a different neurological basis for some symptoms. Specifically, the parts of the brain that control emotions and decision making.
Symptoms
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder may include:
Risk factor’s
How do I know if I have borderline personality disorder?
There is no medical test to diagnose BPD, it is not based on a single symptom It is important to have it diagnosed by an experienced mental health professional. Once the professional has conducted a thorough interview and a discussion about the symptoms, he or she will determine if it corresponds to this diagnosis or another.
The psychologist may also ask questions about the patient’s and family’s symptoms and medical history, including any history of mental illness. This information can help the mental health professional decide what is the best treatment.
Additionally, a complete and thorough medical examination can also help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Treatment
A typical and complete treatment plan would include; psychotherapy medication and family support.
1. Psychotherapy
It is the fundamental pillar for treatment In addition to dialectical behavior therapy, which was created specifically for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, there are other types of psychotherapy that are effective (cognitive behavioral therapy and mentalization-based therapy).
2. Medication
There are no specific drugs for borderline personality disorder. But they do treat the symptoms of anger, depression and anxiety with other types of medication. This medication may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications
As a last option, if psychological therapy and medication are not enough, hospitalization of the person would be important and recommended. A hospital can provide a safe environment for a person with BPD who self-harms or has suicidal thoughts.
If you have borderline personality disorder, don’t give up Many people who have this disorder improve over time with treatment and learn to regulate their emotions leading a fuller life.
