Definition Borderline personality disorder is a serious psychiatric condition. People with a borderline personality are unstable in their self-image, moods, behaviour, and relationships with others.
What is going on in the body? A personality disorder is a general term for an abnormal, lifelong pattern of behaviour and thoughts. This pattern makes interacting with other people and society difficult for the affected person. A borderline personality is one of the most difficult and unstable to deal with. The exact reason that people develop this condition is not known.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? People with this disorder:
are often impulsive. This can get affected people into trouble. For example, they may spend money they don't have, have sex with strangers, gamble, abuse drugs, or steal things.
have intense and unstable relationships. Affected people may manipulate others. They may also shift back and forth from loving to hating someone, or make and break friendships often.
may have intense anger and inability to control it.
have a poor and shifting sense of who they are. For example, a person may shift their goals or values constantly. Affected people may switch from being attracted to women to being attracted to men, or back again.
may have rapid and intense mood swings. For example, an affected person may change from total happiness to depression and thoughts of suicide. This can even occur a number of times in a single day.
do not like being alone. People with this disorder are often unhappy when they are alone. They may even fake an illness to prevent someone from leaving.
often harm themselves. This may include suicide attempts, intentional self-harm, or frequently starting fights.
may have chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom.
What are the causes and risks of the condition? The exact cause, as with many mental disorders, is unknown. Inherited factors and the environment a person is raised in are thought to contribute. People with borderline personality disorder often have not had proper care during childhood. As a result, they may feel empty and angry, and that they deserve to be nurtured. The main risks of this disorder are related to social and legal problems. Affected people often have few or no lasting friends, and may get into trouble with the law. They may commit suicide or die from the risks they take.
What can be done to prevent the condition? There are no known ways to prevent this condition. A stable and loving home life during childhood is thought to reduce the risk of most mental disorders.
How is the condition diagnosed? This condition is diagnosed when a person shows the symptoms and signs. There is no one test that can make the diagnosis. In some cases, a written survey of symptoms or a psychological test may be used to help make the diagnosis.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? Long-term effects are mostly related to the person's behaviour. This may include financial, legal, and social problems. Death may occur due to suicide or risk-taking behaviour.
What are the risks to others? This condition is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
What are the treatments for the condition? Many people with this condition respond to either specific cognitive behavioural therapy or to modified psychodynamic psychotherapy which addresses the patient's deficient sense of self. Medication may be useful in reducing the extremes of mood and associated chaotic behaviour.
What are the side effects of the treatments? In some cases, therapy may bring out anger and impulsive behaviour. Medications all have possible side effects, including sleepiness and stomach upset. The side effects depend on which drugs are used.
What happens after treatment for the condition? Treatment does not "cure" this disorder. Most affected people have lifelong problems. As people get older, they often become a little more stable. Most people with this disorder need help and therapy for life, if they are willing to accept it.
How is the condition monitored? Regular visits to a therapist are usually advised. Medications may need to be monitored, depending on the medication.
Author: Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
