8 Presenting Features of Borderline Personality Disorder

About Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder refers to a medical condition which affects the thinking of an individual about himself and others. It is a mental health disorder which can lead to severe difficulties in the everyday life of an individual. An individual with Borderline Personality Disorder will find it hard to maintain relationships due to a low self esteem, being emotionally charged up and will also be extremely impulsive affecting decision making. An individual with Borderline Personality Disorder is always fearful of being abandoned due to behavior issues and will not be able to tolerate staying alone. However, with their aggressive behavior and frequent mood swings it becomes difficult for people to stay with such individuals.

What really causes Borderline Personality Disorder is not completely understood but certain factors like being neglected or abused as a child may be contributing to it. The genetic makeup of an individual can also play a part in determining if an individual is at risk for developing Borderline Personality Disorder. Studies suggest that if a family member of an individual has a history of Borderline Personality Disorder or some other mental health disorder then the chances of the individual having the same problem are significantly high.

Abnormalities in the areas of brain that control emotions, aggressiveness or impulsivity can also lead to Borderline Personality Disorder. As is the case with many mental disorders with proper treatment many people get a control over their emotions and lead a normal happy life. It is extremely important to identify the signs which may suggest a Borderline Personality Disorder so that treatment and support can be provided to the individual.

8 Presenting Features of Borderline Personality Disorder

The first signs of Borderline Personality Disorder are evident by the time the individual reaches teenage years. These symptoms may get worse or improve with time. In all the cases, it is imperative for the family members to provide a supportive environment so that the individual does not feel neglected. Some of the presenting features of Borderline Personality Disorder are:

  1. The individual will have anxiety and fear of being abandoned and may go out of the way to avoid rejection or separation.
  2. The individual with Borderline Personality Disorder will have several unstable relationships. He will feel good and positive about a person one time and suddenly believe that the same person is not caring enough and is insensitive about his feelings.
  3. There will be a noticeable change in the way the individual will feel about himself or what he wants to do. His ambitions and goals will waver and shift unreasonably. The self esteem of the individual suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder will also be evidently low.
  4. An individual with Borderline Personality Disorder will have periods of paranoia with no idea about realty. This may last for a few minutes to a few hours.
  5. Borderline Personality Disorder will also lead to the individual being extremely reckless and impulsive. The individual may indulge in drug abuse, dangerous driving, and excessive spending. The individual may also quit jobs out of impulsiveness or end a fruitful relationship.
  6. Some Borderline Personality Disorder individuals may also attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts for fear of being rejected or being separated from their loved ones.
  7. People with Borderline Personality Disorder also have frequent mood swings where they will be happy at one time and suddenly become angry or depressed for no rhyme or reason.
  8. Borderline Personality Disorder individuals always feel lonely even when in a healthy relationship and will always be anxious. They get angry for no apparent reason and may even get physical with their loved ones.

If you have a close friend or relative with these symptoms then you can talk with the person and convince the individual to see a mental health provider without forcing him to do so to help the person get over this condition.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 17, 2018

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