Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health diagnosis that affects the way a person feels about themselves and other people. If you’re wondering, ‘what is Borderline Personality Disorder?’ because you believe yourself or a loved one may be dealing with this condition, knowing the causes and symptoms of BPD can give you the information necessary to make a decision about getting help.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is a mental health disorder that’s characterized by mood swings, self-consciousness, relationship issues, and instability. Therefore, people living with this condition may feel as though their life is constantly on edge – always being affected by issues with emotions, relationships, and how they view themselves. Due to the intense range of emotions that come with BDP, many people living with this condition may feel as though they don’t know themselves, which comes with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. Thus, making them feel sorrowful about their self-identity, unsure of what to do with their lives, and leading to low self-esteem and self-satisfaction.

Furthermore, as people with BPD have issues with managing moods and emotions, they can have problems with constantly feeling insulted or offended by the words or opinions of others. Therefore, disturbing relationships and making it difficult to maintain healthy boundaries and connections with other people.

Identifying the Causes of BPD

Knowing what causes the development of BDP may help individuals living with this condition better understand if they are living with this disorder. And, determine whether or not they should seek professional, mental health help. There are a variety of factors that are believed to stimulate the development of this specific mental health issue including:

Genetics: People who have family members who are diagnosed with BPD have a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves. It’s thought that genetics that are affected by BPD can be passed on to future generations. So, if you have a family history of BDP, there is more cause for concern when identifying the symptoms of BPD in your own life.

Irregularity of the Brain: The development of BPD can be caused by a malfunction of the brain, specifically in areas that are responsible for mood management. When these areas of the brain don’t function properly, long-term damage can result in the development of BPD.

Outside Influences: In many cases, BPD is developed as a result of outside, preventable influences that are beyond the control of the individual with BPD. These factors can include childhood abuse, neglect, or hardships.

Recognizing the Symptoms of BPD

Along with being able to identify the causes of BPD, being able to recognize the symptoms of BPD can help people living with this condition find the help they need. Some of the characterizing symptoms of BPD can include:

Mood Swings: BDP affects the way a person feels and their emotions. Therefore, people with BDP struggle with intense mood swings and emotions they cannot control including sadness, irritability, and happiness. These shifts in mood can be extremely sudden, so a characterizing symptom of BPD is experiencing quick shifts in mood in short periods of time.

Relationship Troubles: Since people with BPD often experience intense emotional swings and shifts in mood, it can be challenging to maintain healthy relationships. So, having friendships or intimate relationships that don’t last very long can be a signifying symptom of BPD.

Bouts of Anger: While everyone gets angry from time to time, people with BPD may experience sudden bouts of anger without much provocation. They can be happy in one moment and be triggered into anger by things that may not trigger anger in other people. So, recognizing bouts of anger that are sudden can help people identify whether or not they may be dealing with BPD.

Risky Behavior: People with BPD may struggle with the fact that they cannot control their emotions and moods, which results in feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and a lack of self-consciousness. As a way to feel in control of their emotions, people with BPD may engage in risky behaviors like abusing addictive substances, participating in unprotected sexual intercourse, and self-harming.

Getting Help for BPD

If you feel that you or a loved one is portraying symptoms of BPD, treatment is available and effective in helping to manage symptoms and gain better control of the influence BPD has over your life. Yellowbrick offers a number of revolutionary treatments and resources to people and families struggling with all types of mental health issues, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Find out more about how we can help from our website today.