Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an emotional disorder that causes emotional instability, leading to stress and other problems. People with borderline personality disorder have a distorted image of themselves and often feel worthless and fundamentally flawed. They will have outbursts of anger, impulsivity and frequent mood swings. Many people with borderline personality disorder get better with treatment and can live happy, peaceful lives.

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder


Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a Cluster B personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). According to the American Psychiatric Association, Cluster B disorders are characterized by behavior that is dramatic, erratic and emotional.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder


Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV as a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships in an individual’s life, along with an unstable self-image, affect, and increased impulsivity starting in early adulthood. In order for a mental health professional to diagnose BPD, five or more patterns of behavior must be present.

Different Therapies to Treat BPD


Structured psychotherapies have been found to be more effective in many studies than control conditions, and structured psychological interventions have been recommended by many clinicians as the best treatment for BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression


Researchers have found that those who have a personality disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder are at a greater risk for long-term psychopathology. In addition, co-occurring disorders can have an intensely negative impact on the quality of life of those suffering with a mental illness.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use


A great deal of research has been conducted on the relationship between psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders.

Dealing with BPD in an Employee or Coworker


In 2000 a survey of the top Fortune 1000 found that every work day, 723 workers are physically attacked, 43,800 are harassed and 16,400 threatening incidents take place. These events are brought about by a difficult employee’s personality.