Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that typically arises in early adulthood. If you have BPD, you may have difficulty managing your emotions and behaviors, leading to significant impairments in daily functioning. You may also struggle to maintain healthy relationships. As with most mental health disorders, there is no known cause for BPD, but experts believe that genetics, environment, and other variables serve as risk factors. BPD seems to get better with age and is very responsive to treatment.
If you suffer from BPD, it may feel like your life is out of control. When your mental health is compromised, you can feel lost and alone, but help is available. Harmony Hills offers comprehensive borderline personality disorder treatment in a safe and supportive environment to address BPD and co-occurring disorders. For more information about BPD and effective treatment, call 855.494.0357.
What Is the Difference Between a BPD Test and a BPD Assessment?
If you suspect that you or a loved one has BPD, the best action is to reach out to a qualified medical or mental health provider. A quick internet search about BPD testing will direct you to numerous online screening tools and questionnaires. It is critical to understand that these are not diagnostic tools or official BDP tests. They are designed only to help you assess your symptoms to see if you can benefit from a professional BPD assessment and treatment.
The only person who can diagnose BPD is a trained mental health professional. However, keep in mind:
- There is no specific test for BPD
- BPD is diagnosed after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the DSM-5
- You will need a physical from your medical provider to rule out underlying health conditions as the cause of your symptoms
- Symptoms of BPD often overlap with other mental health disorders
Living with the symptoms of BPD can be challenging and disruptive, but borderline personality disorder treatment can help you reduce symptoms to lead a stable and fulfilling life. The first step is acquiring an accurate diagnosis.
Learn to Recognize Borderline Personality Disorder
If you have BPD or live with someone who does, life can feel chaotic. Many people with BPD describe life as being an emotional rollercoaster. Individuals with BPD are often described as being overly sensitive. They react explosively to minor incidents; once triggered, it takes a long time to calm down. They say hurtful things or engage in risky and inappropriate behaviors. Once calm, they feel guilty or ashamed, but these feelings do not prevent future episodes. It is a painful and confusing cycle for everyone that can seriously damage relationships.
BPD impacts everyone differently, particularly when they have co-occurring disorders. However, typical symptoms of BPD can include:
- Persistent feelings of emptiness
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Unstable self-image or sense of self
- A pattern of unstable and intense relationships
- Impulsive, risk-taking, self-destructive behaviors
- Extreme emotional instability
- Repeated self-harm or suicidal behavior
- Inappropriate, intense anger or inability to control anger
- Periods of paranoia or being out of touch with reality
Exhibiting five or more of these symptoms for an extended period, beginning in early adulthood, can indicate BPD. Untreated BPD makes it very difficult to live a productive life and often has serious repercussions for employment and relationships. Most individuals with BPD usually have at least one co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Turn to Harmony Hills for Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
Borderline personality disorder profoundly impacts your sense of self and perception of others. You may feel like your life is out of control. However, it does not have to remain so. Help is available at Harmony Hills. Through our borderline personality disorder treatment program, you will receive comprehensive treatment that includes education about BPD and coping skills needed to regain control of your life. Contact Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357 to learn more.
