Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of a group of psychiatric conditions known as ‘personality disorders’. BPD is characterised by distressing emotional states, difficulty relating to other people and self-harming behaviour.

BPD symptoms

People with BPD have difficulty relating to other people and the world around them. Symptoms may include:

• Idealising or devaluing other people.
• Difficulty compromising.
• Marked impulsiveness in areas that could be self-damaging: for example, spending of money, sex or substance abuse.
• Intense outbursts of anger, anxiety and depression.

Extreme behaviour is a symptom

People with BPD may exhibit extreme behaviour, such as repeated self-mutilation or taking overdoses of medication. There may be a variety of reasons for such behaviour. The person with BPD may feel that they are dependent on others for their identity or may be afraid of being abandoned. The extreme behaviours are frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Such behaviour is often dismissed as ‘attention-seeking’ or manipulation. However, the behaviour is a symptom of the disorder and requires professional help, as well as education and support for family and other carers.

The causes of BPD are unclear

The causes of BPD are unclear, but may involve:

• Psychological factors
• Biological factors
• Social factors.

Traumatic experiences in early life are common in people with BPD.

How many people develop BPD?

About two in every 100 people (about 300,000 Australians) will develop BPD. Women are three times more likely than men to develop BPD.

Treatment can reduce BPD symptoms

Treatment can help people manage, reduce or even eliminate symptoms of BPD. The behaviour associated with this condition means that people with BPD often alienate those who know them and, therefore, have difficulty finding effective support and treatment.

Current effective treatments

Currently, the most effective treatments for BPD are:

• Psychotherapy. The doctor or psychologist talks to the person about their symptoms. They also discuss alternative ways to cope with symptoms.
• Psychosocial rehabilitation - to help people learn social skills.
• Medication - this may help reduce associated symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

Any associated conditions should also be treated

BPD often occurs with:

• Mood disorders (for example, bipolar disorder and depression)
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol or drug abuse.

It is essential that each of these disorders is recognised and treated separately.

Where to get help

• SANE Helpline Tel. 1800 18 SANE (7263)
• Your doctor.

Things to remember

• People with BPD often have trouble relating to other people.
• BPD may cause a person to display extreme behaviours, such as self-mutilation.
• BPD often occurs with mood disorders, eating disorders and alcohol or drug abuse. Each condition (including BPD) must be recognised and treated separately.

You might also be interested in:

• Anxiety disorders.
  
• Cognitive behaviour therapy.
  
• Mental illness.
  
• Mental illness prevalence.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

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Last reviewed: January 2012

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Borderline_personality_disorder?open">Borderline personality disorder - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of a group of psychiatric conditions known as 'personality disorders'. People with BPD have difficulty relating to other people. With treatment, the symptoms of BPD can be managed better, reduced or even eliminated.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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