Signs & Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. It is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and a persistent fear of abandonment. Understanding the symptoms of BPD is essential for early recognition and intervention.
People with BPD often experience a wide range of emotional and behavioral symptoms that can disrupt their lives and relationships. These symptoms include:
- Fear of Abandonment: A persistent effort to avoid real or imagined abandonment, often leading to frantic behaviors or emotional distress.
- Unstable Relationships: Intense and short-lived relationships that alternate between idealizing and devaluing others.
- Emotional Instability: Rapid mood swings that may last only a few hours to a few days.
- Impulsivity: Risky or impulsive behaviors such as reckless spending, unsafe sex, or substance abuse.
- Distorted Self-Image: An unstable sense of identity or self-worth.
- Feelings of Emptiness: A chronic sense of emptiness or feeling "hollow."
- Intense Anger: Episodes of uncontrollable anger that may be followed by shame or guilt.
- Paranoia or Dissociation: Brief episodes of paranoia or feeling disconnected from reality, especially during periods of stress.
In addition to the primary symptoms of BPD, individuals may also experience symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These co-occurring symptoms can complicate diagnosis and treatment but are important to address for comprehensive care.
The instability associated with BPD can strain personal and professional relationships. Individuals with BPD may struggle with trust, often misinterpreting others' intentions, which can lead to conflict and isolation. They may also find it challenging to maintain consistent employment or manage daily responsibilities due to emotional and behavioral instability.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of BPD is the first step toward seeking help. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, consulting a mental health professional can provide clarity and support. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with BPD.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that requires a thorough diagnostic process and a comprehensive treatment plan. Early identification and treatment can help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Diagnosing BPD involves a detailed assessment conducted by a mental health professional. The process typically includes:
- Clinical Interviews: Gathering a detailed history of symptoms, relationships, and behaviors from the individual and, when appropriate, their family members.
- Diagnostic Criteria: Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to confirm the presence of at least five of the nine diagnostic criteria for BPD.
- Assessment of Co-occurring Conditions: Evaluating for other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD that may influence symptoms.
While BPD can present significant challenges, many effective therapeutic approaches are available to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Therapy is the cornerstone of BPD treatment. Evidence-based approaches include:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Specifically designed for BPD, DBT helps individuals develop skills to regulate emotions, improve relationships, and tolerate distress.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Schema-Focused Therapy: Aims to address deep-seated patterns of thinking and behavior related to self-perception and relationships.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can support therapy and improve emotional stability. Strategies include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in physical activity, and practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga. Building a strong support system of trusted friends and family can also enhance recovery.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with BPD can gain control over their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. If you suspect you or someone you know may have BPD, seeking professional help is a critical step toward recovery.
When to Seek Help for Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can significantly affect emotional health, relationships, and daily functioning. Recognizing when to seek professional help is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
If you or someone you know exhibits the following symptoms, it may be time to seek assistance from a mental health professional:
- Persistent fear of abandonment or difficulty maintaining relationships
- Extreme emotional reactions that interfere with daily life
- Impulsive or risky behaviors, such as reckless spending or unsafe driving
- Chronic feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
- Episodes of intense anger or emotional outbursts
- Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of suicide
The first step in seeking help is to reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Be open about your symptoms and how they affect your life. If you’re unsure where to start, consider contacting local mental health organizations or using online resources for guidance.
Numerous resources can provide support and information about BPD. Consider exploring:
- Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center
- Emotions Matter
- TARA4BPD
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- BPDFamily.com
- Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research
Untreated BPD can lead to severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, and self-destructive behaviors. Early intervention can help individuals learn to manage their symptoms and build healthier relationships. Therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have shown significant success in helping individuals with BPD.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of BPD, seeking professional help can make a transformative difference. With the right resources and support, individuals can take control of their mental health and improve their overall quality of life.
Need help? We recommend these therapists
Sirena Robinson-Luczak, LISW
Specializes in Borderline Personality Disorder
5.0 stars · Offers Telehealth visits · Female · Speaks English · Licensed in Ohio, Utah, and 2 more · 10 years' experience
Stephanie Birnbaum, LPCC
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Reviews for this Borderline Personality Disorder test
All reviews have been submitted by users after completing a test.
Overall rating:
Easy to use and understand
Things are making more sense to me
This isn't really a big deal or an accomplishment, but I finally found out I am not a really evil person and heartless...but I am still weary that I could be a narcissistic person. BPD fits more with all the things I've done and felt becuz after an outburst I don't want to hurt myself or think anyone is bad. But I also feel really guilty and have a hard time admitting I was wrong. I've have really screwed up my life so far...14 yrs. old and following the footsteps of your siblings. Excellent grades dropping and a future being destroyed by myself. The description and behavior of BPD matches how my mother acted and my siblings before we were put in foster care.
it was like i was checking off things about myself that were true that i've noticed that i've never seen before in myself things that i didn't think i had or were even real, but they are.
My result did not shock me as I have always suspected I may have BPD. I just wanted to see for myself, which is why I took this test. I already have THE BEST therapist I could ever have asked for...Thank You A.R.!!
Very helpful and honest
Great! Confirming what I now know after 25 years of trying to find the diagnosis.
I was just getting a second opinion, I have already been diagnosed with BPD. The test was spot on. Good job!
I took this test because someone I live with, who has a degree in psychology urged me to take it and see for myself what they see on a daily basis. I took the test and I scored in the high risk range so I’m thinking It may be time to look into it further and possibly get the help I need to break this cycle that I feel I’ve been repeating my whole life.
It’s a helpful test, for sure. I took it twice though, because I realised the distinction of time was absent. Some of the questions were true for one or two occasions in my lifetime, and many were true for limited periods in the past. I think it’d be improved by defining time, or qualifying present and past in some way. We grow and learn, so some of this stuff has affected me at times, but not consistently through life. Thanks for the great insights and opportunity for help.
I took the test as I recently met a girl who has this. I have (other) issues and I wanted to see what kind of things she might be thinking. I did have some issues the test brought up and I was able to see the difference in bpd. I think this easy test could help someone to realize they have it and hopefully get treatment. Thank you for making this available to the public. Many people put off going to a professional because of the cost. Yes, it’s worth it but younger people may not have the money. Hopefully the can find a non-profit that can help them in some way.
My sister told me she thinks I have BPD and this test just proves that she was right and that I need to seek professional help. Thank you.
Crazily accurate!
I like how the question are simple and accurate (for me) This test really is great and I’m happy I took it
I’m diagnosed with it but I thought I would try here. Turns out it’s accurate.
Doing a few of these tests around the web. And this was very informing and accurate
I’ve struggled with panic attacks, anxiety, derealization and ptsd symptoms most of my life. My therapist suggested I may have bpd. I’m planning to go to a residential crisis center tomorrow for help because my family is completely split apart and although I don’t completely blame myself, I haven’t made things much better for sure. This diagnosis is new to me; I already have so many. But I really need help. Prayers for all who suffer with mental illness.
Great quiz. I was partially diagnosed with BPD and this test gave me a 10/10. The only thing is I don’t think it should be ten simple questions. BPD is very complex and alike a lot of other disorders and gets confused with others a lot, this should be much more in depth with questions.
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Yes. We recommend mental health professionals throughout the experience, including on the result screen.
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