Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

Borderline Personality Disorder Facts and Figures to Know

1. Over 14 million Americans suffer from BPD.
2. More people have BPD than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder combined.
3. People with BPD commit suicide at 400 times the rate of the general population.
4. BPD is more common in women than men.
5. BPD is associated with a higher incidence of suicide attempts, substance abuse, eating disorders and depression.
6. Individuals with BPD have extreme swings in their moods, feelings, behavior, and self-image.
7. BPD is the 3^rd leading cause of death for young adult women between 15-24.
8. Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with BPD.
9. BPD is treatable, through therapy and medication.
10. The average time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 10 years.
11. Approximately 50% of people with BPD experience significant improvement in their symptoms within 5 years with treatment.
12. BPD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Those facts are surprising: 5.9% of the adult population has BPD, they commit suicide at an alarming rate, and women are especially vulnerable to the disorder.

That’s why we have Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month.

What Exactly Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) BPD is:

“A mental illness marked by a pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days.”

There are nine symptoms commonly associated with BPD:

1. Frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, real or imagined.
2. Patterns of intense and unstable relationships with friends and family. This may manifest as shifting from one extreme relationship state to another, such as:
   1. Idealization, i.e. extreme love and intimacy.
   2. Devaluation, i.e. extreme dislike or anger.
3. Impulsive, risky behaviors that may include:
   1. Substance abuse.
   2. Reckless driving.
   3. Binge eating.
   4. Spending sprees.
   5. Gambling.
4. Distorted and unstable self-image, which can affect moods, values, opinions, goals, and relationships.
5. Suicidal and self-harming behavior
6. Intense mood swings. Mood episodes may last from a few hours to several days.
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
8. Intense, inappropriate anger that’s difficult to control.
9. Dissociative feelings.
10. A sensation of being cut off from one’s body. A sensation of seeing oneself from outside one’s body.
11. Stress-related paranoia, which can lead to psychotic episodes.

It’s rare to see all the symptoms above in one person. Diagnosis can be tricky, because many of the symptoms above overlap with other mental health disorders. In general, if five of the nine symptoms are present, a therapist may diagnose an individual with BPD. The best way to diagnose BPD is through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, which includes a thorough assessment of personal and family mental and physical health.

What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?

Health scientists and researchers have not identified a clear cause of BPD.

However, the latest research indicates the following elements may play a role in the development of the disorder:

• Genetics. People with a close relative – a parent or sibling – may be at increased risk of BPD.
• Neurobiological factors. Research shows people diagnosed with BPD sometimes have structural and functional changes in the areas of the brain that regulate emotions and control impulses. Scientists have not identified whether these structural and functional changes are the cause of the disorder, or are a result of the disorder.
• Environmental factors. People with BPD often report a history of trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences, or exposure to violence and/or hostile conflicts.

It’s important to understand that not all people who meet the criteria above will develop BPD. Also, people who don’t meet any of the above criteria may develop BPD. That’s one of the reasons it’s a misunderstood disorder. Some experts indicate we’re about twenty years behind on research regarding BPD, as compared to other mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety. Despite this fact, there are effective treatments for BPD.

How Long Do BPD Episodes Last?

People with BPD often experience episodes of extreme emotional distress, called “emotional dysregulation” or “dysregulated episodes.” During these episodes, individuals may feel overwhelmed and out of control, or may behave impulsively and in destructive ways. But how long do BPD episodes last?

The duration of BPD episodes can vary from person to person. For some people, the episode may pass relatively quickly, in a matter of hours or days. Other times, an episode may persist for weeks at a time, even months. It is important to remember that BPD is a highly individualized mental health condition. The length of episodes varies depending on a variety of factors, such as stress levels and coping strategies.

Is There a High Risk of Suicide in Teens with BPD?

When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in teens, there is a high risk of suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, up to 10% of people with BPD die by suicide. Suicidal thoughts are higher among all teens dealing with mental health issues, such as anxiety, PTSD, partial personality disorder, and depression.

Teens with BPD are particularly vulnerable because they often suffer from intense feelings of loneliness and despair which, combined with their tendency to act impulsively. This can lead to self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts. As such, understanding how to manage teen BPD must include understanding the risks and warning signs of suicide.

Twenty years ago, many mental health professionals thought there was little hope that people with BPD could manage their symptoms. Current research, however, shows that treatment can decrease symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with BPD. Talk therapy first, medication if needed, and social support next: that’s the current treatment model. The family/social aspect of treatment is important. Friends and family cannot make the emotions go away, but they can offer steady support when the individual diagnosed with BPD is on a rollercoaster of extremely difficult to manage thoughts and emotions.