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What is it about ?
Borderline personality disorder (borderline disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that can greatly interfere with a person’s daily functioning. The person with borderline personality disorder suffers fromemotional instability, of behavioral disturbances and is usually at risk of having problems in relationships with others, both in the private and professional spheres.
Personality trouble
“Personality disorder” is a tricky term. This concept designates a complex situation, namely a “disturbance” of the “personality”. But it actually means that the person has certain personality traits that prevent them from functioning well in society or that they at least suffer from certain limitations.
Personality formation
Character and temperament form the personality. Personality is nowadays considered to be the result of an interaction between biological (hereditary), psychological and social factors. The person is influenced by the environment in which they grow up, but they themselves also have an influence on their environment. This interaction gives shape to the personality.
What is its frequency?
Borderline personality disorder affects 7 in 1,000 people.
Borderline personality disorder is more common in young people, women and people with little education.
According to some scientific studies, the evolution of borderline personality disorder is favorable. Symptoms decrease (or become less intense) as a person ages. After about 10 years of treatment, only a small proportion still meet the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder.
How to recognize it?
Borderline personality disorder is usually defined by the following criteria:
- Strong sensitivity to problems in human relations;
- Emotional instability;
- Self-shame;
- Difficulty controlling his behavior (impulsivity).
Different symptoms
Affection can manifest itself in different ways. Several symptoms can indicate a borderline personality disorder:
- Significant fear of abandonment;
- Shame, negative self-image ;
- Constant self-doubt;
- Significant lack of self-confidence;
- Short episodes (from a few hours to a maximum of a few days) of intense sadness, irritability and / or anxiety ;
- Feeling of emptiness;
- Anger and aggression difficult to manage (outbursts of anger, tantrum);
- Thought in terms of “all or nothing”, “black or white”;
- Possible development of a psychosis in times of intense stress. Psychosis is a mental state in which a person completely or partially loses normal contact with reality. The main characteristics are:
- Delusions, including delusions of persecution (paranoia: the person thinks that they are being followed, that others are talking about them, when this is not the case…);
- Hallucinations;
- Confusion.
- Difficulties forming and maintaining relationships:
- Changing relationships, short term and often unstable ;
- Relationships characterized by attraction and rejection.
- Substance abuse (drug use is frequent);
- Impulsive behavior, such as taking unnecessary risks:
- Gambling and games of chance;
- Reckless driving in traffic;
- Unprotected sex;
- etc.
- Self-harm, to repress inner or spiritual pain:
- Scratches on the forearm;
- Cigarette burns on the skin;
- etc.
- Suicidal thoughts.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is a difficult diagnosis. It often takes place as follows:
- In a specialized center;
- By several healthcare providers:
- Psychiatrists;
- Psychiatric nursing staff;
- Psychologists;
- …
- Using various methods:
- Specific interviews;
- Specialized psychological tests.
What can you do ?
If this sounds like you in this description of borderline personality disorder, see your doctor (general practitioner) to discuss it.
If you are diagnosed with BPD, there is a lot you can do on your own. There are good self-help programs and self-help groups. First try to get to know yourself better, for example by reading some information on this topic. The self-awareness helps prevent many problems and helps relieve some symptoms.
What can the doctor do?
Treatment for borderline personality disorder is complex and usually takes place in a specialized center. Several healthcare providers are involved. Then a (short-term) hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital is planned in some cases.
Personalized treatment
Each treatment plan is personalized. The emphasis is on the structure (daytime); the boundaries must be clear. In addition, the person with borderline personality disorder learns to manage emotions through a psychotherapy. There are several forms:
- Dialectical behavior therapy;
- Cognitive therapy;
- Treatment focused on stress management.
For some people with borderline personality disorder, a crisis plan is established so that one can intervene quickly in the event of an emotional crisis.
Medications
The doctor may prescribe medication, usually to treat depressed mood or to be able to manage psychosis. Medication can also help control the intensity of emotions.
Sleeping pills and tranquilizers (such as benzodiazepines) can be used, but these drugs are not safe. Taking these drugs also carries a risk of dependence. Make sure you get the right support.
Want to know more?
- Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- Sleeping pills and sedatives, think before consuming – FAMHP – Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
- Find a psychologist – Commission des psychologues
- Find a therapist – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- SIMILES Wallonie – Association of families and friends of people with mental health problems
- SIMILES Bruxelles – Association of families and friends of people with mental health problems
- Suicide Prevention Center
- Infor-Drogues – Another listen
Source
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