Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder -Borderline Personality Disorder information

The term borderline personality was used originally to describe people who show marked 'instability'.

Features of Borderline Personality Disorder

This instability was originally described in psychodynamic terms, notable by Kernberg (1975), as involving

(a) ego weakness, with poor control of impulses

(b) 'primary process' (i.e. irrational) thinking despite intact reality testing

(c) use of less 'mature' defence mechanisms such as projection and denial

(d) diffuse personal identity

Definition of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. Originally thought to be at the "borderline" of psychosis, people with BPD suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation.

While less well known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), BPD is more common, affecting 2 percent of adults, mostly young women.

There is a high rate of self-injury without suicide intent, as well as a significant rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide in severe cases. Patients often need extensive mental health services, and account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations.

Yet, with help, many improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives.

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptom - A person with BPD may experience intense bouts of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last only hours, or at most a day.

Borderline Personality Disorder BPD - is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior.

What are the Borderline Personality Disorder Cause?

Borderline Personality Disorder Medication and Treatment - Pharmacological treatments are often prescribed based on specific target symptoms shown by the individual patient.

Test for Borderline Personality Disorder - Data from the first prospective, longitudinal study of BPD, which began in the early 1990s, is expected to reveal how treatment affects the course of the illness.

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008

Borderline Personality Disorder