Borderline personality disorder affects an individual’s feelings, behaviors, and relationships. It can be accompanied by anger, depression, and anxiety that may last for days. Borderline personality disorder is now more manageable thanks to new evidence-based treatments. The diagnosis and management of this disorder is very complex and should be left for a licensed mental health professional. Treatment often begins with a thorough interview and assessment of symptoms. Examination to rule out a medical cause of symptoms and a good family history then follows. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are the two treatment modalities used in the management of borderline personality disorder.
Psychotherapy is the first line of treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Therapy is often a challenge with these individuals due to their difficulty with trust and creating a therapeutic relationship.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one type of therapy recommended in patients with this disorder. It works by helping the individual to identify and work by changing beliefs and behaviors that lead to distorted self-perceptions. It may reduce mood swings, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior therapy: This type of therapy uses mindfulness and being attentive to current situations and emotions. It teaches individuals skills such as emotional control, self-destructive behavior reduction, and relationship improvement.
Medications are normally not the first choice with these patients. Although, it can be used to manage specific symptoms. These symptoms may include mood swings, depression or other co-occurring mental illnesses such as anxiety, alcohol or substance use disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, etc.
Reference
Mayo Clinic. (2019).Borderline Personality Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237
National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). (2019). Borderline Personality Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/index.shtml