Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in emotions, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. People with BPD often experience intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and a distorted sense of self. They have a strong fear of abandonment and may go to extreme measures to avoid being left alone, which can lead to unstable and intense relationships
. Key symptoms of BPD include:
- Emotional instability with rapid mood changes
- Intense and unstable relationships, often swinging between idealization and devaluation of others
- Impulsive and risky behaviors such as reckless driving, substance misuse, or unsafe sex
- Chronic feelings of emptiness and a disturbed sense of identity
- Intense anger and difficulty controlling it
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
- Stress-related paranoid thoughts or dissociation (feeling detached from reality)
The disorder usually begins in early adulthood and can severely impact daily functioning, including difficulties in maintaining jobs and relationships. While mood swings and impulsivity may improve with age, core issues like fear of abandonment and self-image problems often persist
. The causes of BPD are not fully understood but are believed to be a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, often involving childhood trauma or neglect
. Treatment primarily involves psychological therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other forms of psychotherapy, which can help individuals manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Many people with BPD recover or significantly improve with appropriate treatment
. In summary, borderline personality disorder is a complex mental illness marked by emotional dysregulation, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and a fragile sense of self, requiring professional diagnosis and treatment for effective management
