Borderline Personality Disorder

Clinic Locations in Boise & Meridian

Personality disorders are mental health disorders that cause difficulty functioning in everyday life. They can affect the way a person thinks and their behavior. Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the ten types of personality disorders.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is a disorder that affects how a person thinks and feels about themselves. It also affects their relationships with others and their behavior. It involves distorted self-image, impulsive behavior, and emotional instability. There is also a pattern of unstable relationships. It tends to develop around adolescence through early adulthood. Though it may seem worse in the beginning, the symptoms may ease with maturity.

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of BPD include:

Frantic attempts to avoid real or imaginary abandonment.
Patterns of unstable relationships. This involves alternating between idealizing and devaluing the other person.
Unstable self-image or self-identity.
Impulsive acts in at least two areas of life that are self-damaging (overspending, unsafe sex, drug abuse, etc.).
History of suicidal or self-harm behaviors.
Frequent mood swings can last from a few hours to a few days.
Long-term, severe feelings of emptiness.
Difficulty controlling anger; may display frequently and escalate into physical fights.
Periods of stress-related paranoia or severe dissociation.

Borderline Personality Disorder Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of BPD aren't fully understood. There are, however, some possible factors.

Environmental-Being raised in an unstable environment with child abuse or neglect.
Genetics-BPD may have a genetic component.
Brain Abnormalities-There may be abnormalities in the brain involved with regulating emotions, aggression, and impulsivity. One example is abnormalities in serotonin production.

Some factors may increase the risk of developing BPD. Some possible factors include:

Having a relative with BPD.
Feeling emotionally unstable or vulnerable as a child.
People in the household being impulsive during childhood.
Experiencing child abuse.

Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis (Tests)

The process of being diagnosed may entail:

A detailed interview with a doctor or mental health provider.
Psychological evaluation, which may include questionnaires.
Medical history and exams.
Discussion of signs and symptoms.

In most cases, only adults are diagnosed, not children or teens. What appears as symptoms of BPD may go away with maturity.

Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

Treatment for BPD involves learning skills to manage and cope with the condition. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, hospitalization, or a combination.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is the main treatment option provided by professionals such as psychiatrists. There are a few different types of counseling:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Schema-Focused Therapy

Medication is added to counseling in some cases. While there are no medications approved specifically for BPD, certain kinds can help relieve symptoms of co-occurring problems. Some types of medications often used are:

Antidepressants
Antianxiety
Antipsychotics
Mood Stabilizers

Being hospitalized is an option when more intense treatment is needed. Being hospitalized can keep you safe when you're displaying extreme symptoms. These can be symptoms such as suicidal thoughts or behavior, harming yourself or others.

It's important to remember that, though recovery takes time, it can improve your ability to function. The best chance for success is working with a professional with experience treating BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder Prognosis / Outlook

The prognosis for BPD varies. You may face lifelong challenges with symptoms, such as struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It's important to follow your prescribed treatment plan. It can reduce the severity of your symptoms.

How to Get Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

At MidValley Healthcare, we specialize in behavioral health. Our team of experienced, compassionate healthcare providers provides specialized treatment that includes counseling, medication management, and more. If you'd like to make an appointment, please contact us.

Testimonials

Brittany Stoker

I have been working with Zana for 3 years, I have never had a mental health professional care so much about my wellbeing and making sure my medications are working. If you are struggling- I highly recommend booking an appt with her.

Ashley Scott

Zana Delic is fantastic. She listens, she asks the right questions, and truly makes the appointment feel comfortable. I’d highly recommend her to anyone.

Aron Lupton

I've been seeing my psychiatrist for 6 months now and I feel like they always want to make sure I am happy and healthy.

victoria juarez

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Love Zana Delic! She is so caring and thoughtful and willing to see me ANY time I need her! She treats me with respect and compassion. She deservs so many more stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Jodi Thorne

I’m sorry for the people that can’t pay for services.... their reviews aren’t fair to Midvalley. There are state related programs that are offered for those who have no or little money. You can’t expect to get a hand out when your in crisis. There are hotlines and other resources available 24/7. With that said..... the counseling and medication management I’ve received has been great. The council given by Cathie has been excellent. She listens and suggests things to work on... but you have to put in the work and want to get better. If your willing and ready for treatment, it’s available and they do an awesome job of taking care of their patients. I’ve had to cancel several appointments and even had to cancel an appointment an hour before hand because I was at another appt and couldn’t get there in time. I explained that and they didn’t charge me for the visit. They understand life happens. Give credit where credit is due and be courteous to others with respect and you will be pleasantly surprised that it will go along ways. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for some help.

scott ehrlichman

Dr Ashye, Thank you. You saved my life. I would be long gone if it were not for your help. I salute you. Thank you for caring. I salute you.

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