Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in DSM-5 as a mental health disorder classified by a history of intense or unstable relationships, patterns of idealizing and devaluing in close relationships, and an unstable self-image (identity disturbances). Although how BPD symptoms are expressed varies, there are overarching aspects that accompany most individuals with BPD. These shared symptoms include fear of abandonment, difficulty being alone, intense mood swings, and impulsivity.
People with borderline personality disorder often have severe challenges controlling their emotional reactivity. Emotional regulation is a biosocial construct. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder have unmet needs that make emotional regulation particularly challenging. While once stigmatized as an untreatable illness, scientific research in borderline personality disorder has debunked the myth that BPD is untreatable.
DBT and combination therapies like CBT with DBT can guide the recovery process for those with the disorder with consistent application. While the recovery is promising, BPD is a severe mental disorder that takes time and persistence to overcome. Below, we discuss some warning signs of borderline personality disorder symptoms to be aware of if you suspect that you or someone you care for may have BPD.
Common borderline personality disorder symptoms
- The most common borderline personality disorder symptoms related to emotional processing include black-and-white thinking, splitting, and disassociating.
- These maladaptive patterns make maintaining healthy and loving relationships difficult, causing those with this disorder to push people away, even though they want healthy relationships.
- For people living with BPD, a perceived fear of abandonment interferes with the stability and health of personal relationships.
- Fear of abandonment can also be a source of anxiety and depression and bring on other symptoms that accommodate BPD, including risk-taking behaviors such as binge eating, shoplifting, and promiscuity.
Warning Signs: Symptoms Persist After Adolescence
- Borderline personality disorder is challenging to diagnose when it first develops, as it is unclear as to what specifically causes the disorder. Biosocial theory ties it to individual temperament and environmental norms presented during upbringing.
- However, borderline personality disorder symptoms may only clearly show themselves in adolescence, which is, in and of itself, a time of identity exploration. Typically, borderline personality disorder symptoms generally pique at the start of adulthood and continue without treatment intervention.
Systemic Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
People with borderline personality disorder may have another immediate family member with the disorder. Similar patterns of familial dysfunctions may leave an individual with BPD unaware that they have a problem. They may have no idea as to why everyday things like maintaining work, enjoying relationships, and staying emotionally regulated are so challenging.
If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have borderline personality disorder, here are some borderline personality disorder symptoms and warning signs to look for:
- There is a pattern of instability in personal relationships and other areas of life: one day, they’re madly in love, and the next, they despise their partner; one week, they’re a straight-A student, and the next, they want to drop out of school.
- Reckless behaviors are used as coping mechanisms to regain emotional stability.
- Angry outbursts and episodes of violent behavior occur.
- Moments of disassociation (checking out of conversations or feeling/appearing detached from reality)
- Moving from one relationship to the next
- Fear of abandonment (especially partners, family members, and friends)
For The Hope Of Recovery
As BPD stigma begins to deteriorate, more room for hope and recovery is made. If you spot warning signs of borderline personality disorder symptoms, you’re not alone. Contact a mental health recovery program specializing in the treatment of personality disorders and start your path forward.