by Rachel Corcoran

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental disorder involving extreme emotions and difficulty maintaining personal relationships. Symptoms include instability in mood or mood swings; impulsivity; and a warped sense of self and others. People with BPD get angry easily and may retaliate in a violent or hysterical nature.

Those who have been diagnosed with this disorder tend to feel like they are constantly yo-yoing between extreme anxiety, anger, and depression. They seem to have an inconsistent self ideology, often reporting that they do not know themselves at all, or that they feel "empty". They often have fear of abandonment issues, or feel acute apathy, and this affects their relationships negatively. Those close to a person with BPD may report that this person exhibits symptoms such as extreme clinginess, jealousy, and angry tantrums with no regard for consequences. Individuals that endure symptoms are usually adolescents or young adults, and typically this person can expect symptoms to taper off once they've entered their thirties.

Loved ones of a Borderline Personality Disorder can expect extreme mood swings and intense anger. An individual with BPD is at very high risk for alcohol and drug abuse, so the mood swings may intensify with a substance abuse problem. Parents, spouses, and friends of someone suffering from this disorder should try to never take an emotional meltdown personally. They should always try to remember that it is not their fault, and then do everything in their power to remind this person that they are loved. When this becomes difficult a support group is a good source of help.

A support group can be a reminder that you are not alone. Over two percent of the general population are diagnosed with Borderline Personality disorder, and many more suffer as the result of a BPD in their life. Many urban areas have weekly support groups. If there are not any physical support groups near your home, try online. "Borderlinepersonalitytoday.com" is a good one, not only for the person with the diagnosis, but for families containing someone with BPD as well. "BPDCentral.com" is another excellent site with a wealth of information and forums for loved ones of those with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder should be taken very seriously. Suicidal tendencies are very common with Borderline Personality Disorders and about 9% of those diagnosed end their lives successfully. It should also be brought to the attention of loved ones that they may develop eating disorders, unhealthy sexual patterns, and many other forms of self-mutilation.

If you or someone you know displays the majority of these symptoms, it's important that they seek help. A therapist, psychologist, social worker, or a psychiatrist can give them a mental health test, which may be written or oral. If diagnosed, therapy should begin immediately. Generally, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the most effective way of treating this disorder. By pointing out when their impulses take control and teaching them how to stabilize their emotions without reacting impulsively, patients may regain control slowly. The patient learns how to change the way they think (cognitive) and react (behavior). Treatment is often very effective if the patient and the therapist continue it consistently. There are a myriad of therapists out there and with a little research, one may be found that works very well with patients with this condition.

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