Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental disorder that causes erratic emotional responses, aggressive outbursts, and a skewed self-image. The most common questions doctors receive about BPD are "what causes borderline personality disorder and how is it treated"? Understanding the foundation of a mental disease assists in early diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of the Disorder:
Individuals who suffer from this particular personality disorder usually have endured some form of abuse in their childhood. Whether sexual, physical, or emotional, this abuse makes it difficult for BPD patients to form close bonds with adult partners, empathize with others, or react appropriately in emotional situations.
Another cause of BPD is genetics; researchers have found a link between mental disorders and biology by studying twins. What they found was that even if both twins didn't have the same disorder, there were often symptoms of another mental disorder to account for. Another biological clue about the possible cause of borderline personality disorder has been found in those with malformed brains, or chemical imbalances, which make it difficult to maintain emotional stability.
Loss of a parent or close family relative at a young age can also cause borderline personality disorder. One of the main symptoms of the disorder is a constant fear of loss, loneliness and abandonment. This normally stems from a reaction to some form of loss during childhood.
Understanding the Symptoms:
In order to truly understand what causes borderline personality disorder and how is it treated, you must first know the symptoms associated with the disease. Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of the symptoms of each patient. In many sufferers, feelings of depression, emptiness, and insignificance can cause suicidal thoughts. For this reason, medication isn't a commonly prescribed treatment for the disorder. Another symptom which might influence treatment options, is aggressive and reckless behavior. BPD sufferers tend to be impulsive, doing what they want, when they want, even if the outcome could be dangerous. Unprotected sex, driving over the speed limit, stealing what they want from a store, and using recreational drugs are all examples of behaviors exhibited by average BPD patients.
Treatment Methods:
The most common and successful method for treating borderline personality disorder, as used by physicians today is psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy, this treatment provides various tactics which help patients work through old memories, and develop new habits, behaviors, and outlook on self and others.
Many BPD patients are unable to develop strong adult bonds because they don't always follow social norms, and are afraid of the possibility of rejection. One of the first things a psychiatrist will help with is the skewed sense of self-image which causes those who have the disorder to think poorly of themselves.
If you or somebody you know is showing signs of borderline personality disorder, speak to a doctor. Understanding what causes borderline personality disorder and how is it treated will allow you to get the help you need. An early diagnosis can help a BPD patient go on to live a healthy and happy life with few or no symptoms following treatment.