Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
The first step in effectively treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is to form a healthy and supportive therapeutic relationship between the patient and the therapist. For many, engaging in a trusting alliance is the most difficult part of the therapeutic process. Once this level of trust is built, the therapist can help address some of the dysfunctional patterns that have impeded on the individual’s life.
According to Psychology Today, “people with borderline personality disorder often need extensive mental health services and account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations.” Borderline Personality Disorder may present itself with co-occurring disorders and symptoms may appear to be similar to those of anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. It is imperative to be properly diagnosed by a licensed professional, who can tailor a treatment plan to address the individuals’ specific needs. Studied and effective ways to ameliorate the symptoms of BPD are Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Some treatment options for Borderline Personality Disorder include family therapy to help the individuals’ loved ones become a source of emotional support throughout treatment. The key to long term effectiveness is to provide a consistent treatment plan, and a plan to keep the individual on track if they halt treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by difficulty in regulating emotions, feeling intense emotions for long durations of time, and inability to overcome emotional triggers. Individuals with borderline personality disorder may experience strong bouts of anger, anxiety, mood swings, and depression, which can last up to several days. Signs and symptoms of BPD consist of extreme moods, shifting opinions of their values and views of the world, and extreme alterations of their perspectives of their interpersonal relationships. Thus, leading individuals with a borderline personality disorder to experience intense and volatile relationships. These individuals may avoid the sensation of abandonment by prematurely cutting off relationships, or rushing to instigate emotional or physical attachment. Other signs and symptoms may include distorted image of self-worth, thoughtless spending, substance abuse, self-harm, persistent suicidal ideation, difficulty controlling anger, inability to trust, and binge eating sprees. The severity and intensity of signs and symptoms vary from individual to individual and may be experienced at different rates throughout the course of their lives. Risk factors include brain function, family history, environmental, social, and cultural factors. If you or someone you know is suffering from BPD, learn more about mental health program options and understand that your symptoms can be managed with proper care.
Written by Mashal Rezai
References:
“Borderline Personality Disorder.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder
