What Does Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Mean?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychological disorder with varying symptoms and treatments. Since many mental health conditions may require treatment to manage symptoms, people with personality disorders can benefit from seeking professional help. Although borderline personality disorder was regarded as untreatable in the past, research has now shown that psychotherapeutic treatments can address it effectively. Treating personality disorders can help patients learn to understand and manage symptoms, avoid triggers, and communicate effectively with others. Even though stigma is often attached to mental health disorders, you should never be ashamed of seeking treatment.

Understanding borderline personality disorder

While the exact cause of borderline personality disorder may be impossible to pinpoint, there are groups of people who might be more likely to be diagnosed with it.

BPD usually begins in early adulthood, affecting more women than men or people of other genders. 75% of those diagnosed with BPD are women. It is also not uncommon for people who were physically, mentally, or sexually abused as children to develop the condition. Also, people with a family history of BPD may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder have been found to have structural and functional changes in their brains. Whether the brain changes are the result of BPD or vice versa, however, is unknown. 

While some people’s symptoms get better with age, these are usually folks who have sought treatment for the disorder. The number of undiagnosed people with BPD is unknown. However, research has shown that 1.6% of Americans have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as of 2022.

If left untreated, borderline personality disorder may affect interpersonal relations significantly. Other potential consequences may include the development of other mental health and substance use disorder(s). People with BPD do not need to suffer or feel alone; treatment is available to help them.

How do I know if I or someone I know have borderline personality disorder? 

Borderline personality disorder can be characterized by long patterns of strong emotional reactions, fears of abandonment, and, in some cases, inappropriate substance use. Other symptoms of BPD may include: 

• Distorted sense of self 
• Feelings of emptiness 
• Depression 
• Intense moods 
• Unnecessary risk-taking 

While this is not a complete list of symptoms for BPD, it does include some of the most common examples. Also, remember that another mood or personality disorder may be responsible for these symptoms. A mental health professional can adequately diagnose BPD and distinguish it from other mental health conditions.

Treatments for borderline personality disorder 

Several medically acceptable types of psychotherapy can treat BPD. Some people may also benefit from taking certain prescription medications as deemed necessary by a healthcare professional.

Schema-focused therapy 

One of the most common types of psychotherapy for BPD is schema-focused therapy. In cognitive psychology, a schema is an organized pattern of thought and behavior. Schema-focused therapy may help those who experience symptoms like an intense fear of abandonment or emotional dysregulation by focusing on specific areas of need and developing strategies to manage challenges when they arise.

Dialectical behavior therapy 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be another therapy option for personality disorders. Dialectic, a Greek word, means conversation with opposing views. In behavior therapy, patients with mood disorders can work with a clinician to discuss thoughts or behaviors and develop appropriate responses.

For people with triggers that lead to substantial reactions, DBT can provide coping skills to apply to events, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings to avoid undesired reactions that may affect interpersonal relationships.

Transference-focused psychotherapy 

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a highly structured treatment plan focusing on distorted perceptions of oneself and others. TFP can help change how patients think about themselves in relationships and work on unreconciled conflicts with others due to mental health concerns, including BPD.

Mentalization-based therapy

Another treatment for BPD is mentalization-based therapy (MBT). It combines psychodynamic, systematic, cognitive-behavioral, and ecological therapeutic approaches. MBT can consist of both group and individual therapy sessions. Group sessions can help patients with BPD function around others. The goals of using MBT to treat BPD can include the following: 

• Increasing the patient’s mentalization capacity 
• Reducing the likelihood of harmful behavior to patients or others 
• Increasing behavioral control 
• Building more intimate and gratifying relationships 
• Being able to pursue life goals 
• Understanding self-worth

Complications of untreated borderline personality disorder 

As with any mental health condition, complications can arise when a borderline personality disorder is left untreated. People who do not get treated for BPD may: 

• Change jobs frequently or lose their job often.
• Drop out of school or fail to finish their educational aspirations.
• Face legal trouble or spend time in jail.
• Have conflicted relationships with their children, siblings, and parents.
• Have significant marital stress.
• Frequently get involved with abusive partners.
• Engage in risky sexual behavior, which may result in unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Be involved in various motor vehicle accidents, fights, or risky behavior.

People with untreated BPD can have comorbidities that compound their mental health challenges, too. Depression, substance use, and eating disorders can be common examples of co-occurring conditions. Additionally, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other personality or mood disorders are also possible.

Aside from the option of in-person therapy, people with borderline personality disorder can also explore online therapy. Online therapy can provide convenient access to therapy from anywhere, and this can be especially beneficial for people with BPD who may experience challenges with transportation, anxiety, or social situations. It can also be less intimidating than in-person therapy, which can help people with BPD feel more comfortable and receptive to therapy.

According to a 2020 study, online therapy can effectively treat borderline personality disorder. The study reviewed several randomized controlled trials and found that online therapy significantly improved BPD symptoms, including reduced depression and anxiety, improved interpersonal functioning, and increased quality of life.

Takeaway 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. If left untreated, BPD can significantly affect interpersonal relationships and lead to consequences for a person’s mental and physical health. However, there can be effective treatments for BPD, including schema-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), transference-focused psychotherapy, and mentalization-based therapy (MBT).