Why borderline personality disorder occurs

Careful medical examinations have revealed structural and functional anomalies in the brains of people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

As a result of these deviations, BPD sufferers:. The changes in brain structure and functioning observed in BPD sufferers are caused by the interplay of genetic factors and environmental factors life experiences implicated in the development of borderline personality disorder. In other words, the brains of people with BPD are built differently and operate differently because genetic processes and traumatic life experiences affected their natural course of development.

In a sense, these alterations in the brain are borderline personality disorder, at least from a neurological standpoint. This is why BPD is now considered a brain disease and not just a psychological condition.

Despite the changes in brain structure and functioning that accompany it, borderline personality disorder is still highly amenable to treatment.

For BPD sufferers, psychotherapy is an essential element of the recovery process , and that therapy must address their past trauma if it is to be effective. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to help individuals cope with their brain-based BPD symptoms, but recovery will remain elusive unless underlying issues that helped fertilize the growth of BPD are brought out into the open and discussed, honestly and sincerely, during trauma-focused therapy sessions.

In many cases co-occurring disorders will also be present, and in all likelihood past trauma will be a contributing factor to those conditions as well. No matter how difficult or painful things may have been, BPD sufferers should know there is reason for hope.

One study reported that 85 percent of adults with BPD no longer met the criteria for the disorder 10 years after their initial diagnosis, and this number rose to 99 percent after 16 years in a separate study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Borderline personality symptoms tend to reach their peak of intensity and frequency during young adulthood, when most people are diagnosed, and then decline in severity as a person ages. But that does not explain these statistics in their entirety.

The effectiveness of BPD treatment is another reason for these encouraging numbers, and the sooner a person enters treatment after getting a BPD diagnosis the better their chances of recovery will be. This is especially true for those who begin their healing process in a fully-staffed residential treatment facility , where they can eliminate distractions and concentrate completely on their program of recovery.

Health and wellness are within their grasp, if they refuse to become discouraged and devote themselves fully to overcoming their illness.

Borderline Treatment at Bridges. I went to Bridges to have a dedicated few weeks to work on myself. I feel safer in life now--less afraid of my illness. We are here to listen compassionately. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment. Skip to content Admissions Search for:.

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People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world.

As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad.

Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. An individual who is seen as a friend one day may be considered an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.

Not everyone with borderline personality disorder experiences every symptom. Some individuals experience only a few symptoms, while others have many. Symptoms can be triggered by seemingly ordinary events. For example, people with borderline personality disorder may become angry and distressed over minor separations from people to whom they feel close, such as traveling on business trips. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and their illness.

The cause of borderline personality disorder is not yet clear, but research suggests that genetics, brain structure and function, and environmental, cultural, and social factors play a role, or may increase the risk for developing borderline personality disorder. Likewise, there may be people without these risk factors who will develop borderline personality disorder in their lifetime.

Borderline personality disorder has historically been viewed as difficult to treat. But, with newer, evidence-based treatment, many people with the disorder experience fewer or less severe symptoms, and an improved quality of life. It is important that people with borderline personality disorder receive evidence-based, specialized treatment from an appropriately trained provider.

Other types of treatment, or treatment provided by a doctor or therapist who is not appropriately trained, may not benefit the person. Many factors affect the length of time it takes for symptoms to improve once treatment begins, so it is important for people with borderline personality disorder and their loved ones to be patient and to receive appropriate support during treatment. A licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders can diagnose borderline personality disorder by:.

Officially recognized in by the psychiatric community, BPD is more than two decades behind in research, treatment options, and family psycho-education compared to other major psychiatric disorders. BPD has historically met with widespread misunderstanding and blatant stigma.

However, evidenced-based treatments have emerged over the past two decades bringing hope to those diagnosed with the disorder and their loved ones. Research on the causes and risk factors for BPD is still in its early stages. However, scientists generally agree that genetic and environmental influences are likely to be involved. Certain events during childhood may also play a role in the development of the disorder, such as those involving emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Loss, neglect and bullying may also contribute. The current theory is that some people are more likely to develop BPD due to their biology or genetics and harmful childhood experiences can further increase the risk. Research has shown that outcomes can be quite good for people with BPD, particularly if they are engaged in treatment.