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Mental Health illnesses affect about one in four people in the US population, and of those affected about one in seventeen are considered serious mental health problems. These serious mental illnesses are the leading cause of disability in our nation.

BPD (Borderline Personality Disorders) make up about nine percent of the total US population according to a national survey in 2007.

Until 1980, no diagnostic tool was available to detect BPD because mental health professionals had not defined it until then. Since 1980, research and clinical studies have identified symptoms, probable causes, and medical treatments for BPD.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms for BPD may resemble symptoms for other illnesses and patients with BPD often have co-occurring illnesses such as bi-polar disorder, depression or other personality disorders. BPD is associated with emotional instability and lack of impulse control that usually causes chaos and dysfunction in interpersonal relationships in social and sometimes in work life situations.

BPD manifests in distortions in cognition and lack of impulse control. People who suffer from this condition may view them selves as bad people and often make poor relationship choices based on this distorted self image. Impulse control problems can lead to over indulgence in spending habits, binge eating, risky sexual behaviors and other unhealthy attachments.

Problems maintaining relationships with loved ones and immediate family members can lead to isolation and further feelings of unworthiness.

Diagnoses must be done by mental health professionals using tests designed for BPD. Some of the commonly used tests are the ICD-10, Diagnostic Guidelines, PDQ4, and others. Internet on-line diagnostic tests are available for the general public, but they are not intended as replacements for a professional medical diagnosis.

CAUSES

BPD is believed to be caused by both environmental stress and genetics; predisposition to BPD. A majority of patients experience neglect, abuse, violence, and other traumatic occurrences in early childhood. These experiences can contribute to the condition through impulsivity and poor choices in later life.

BPD is more likely to be found in young adult women but no reason was given for the gender difference, though hormonal imbalances often affect emotional stability.

Genetic studies show that those with BPD have impaired regulation of the biochemical circuits that regulate emotions; that is, the functioning of chemical messaging transmitters in the brain. Brain imaging technology allows medical professionals to target the different regions of the brain with medication and activate the regions that suppress negative emotion.

TREATMENT

DBT- Dialectical behavior therapy was designed specifically for Borderline Personality Disorder and incorporates a twenty week educational and skill development program for BPD. Participants showed rapid and greater improvement. Family members received a two hour session training and learned how to interact with loved ones. Studies are promising but the drop out rate was high with only 25 percent completing the program.

Pharmacology- antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti psychotic drugs target specific symptoms to alleviate negative emotions.

The outlook for BPD is mixed. Although medication and education for behavior modification has shown promise, non-compliance with treatment appears to be a common problem. Family members can help by learning about the disorder and successful interaction with their loved one. In time, and with support, the loved one may want to stay with treatment.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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