Emotional whirlwind: Insight into individuals with borderline personality disorder
In the complex world of mental health, one condition that often garners attention is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of BPD, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, behaviour, and relationships. People with BPD may crave closeness and idealize their counterparts, only to push them away shortly afterwards. This unpredictable behaviour is a hallmark of the disorder.
The causes of BPD are not entirely clear, but it is generally believed that genetics, biographical experiences, and environmental factors all play a role. Traumatic experiences, abuse, neglect, or lack of bonding in childhood significantly increase the risk of developing BPD.
Partners and relatives of people with BPD should try to remain calm, clear, and stable. Close relatives should also take care of their own health by taking breaks, joining self-help groups, and making use of therapy offers. It is important to acknowledge and show understanding for their feelings.
Emotions in people with BPD can shift rapidly and are accompanied by high levels of inner tension. Emotional outbursts should not be taken personally, but understood as a symptom of an illness. The amygala, the part of the brain where emotions are processed, is more active in the brains of people with BPD. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, is also impaired in the brains of people with BPD.
Prof. Petra Beschoner, a specialist in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychosomatic medicine, and the medical director of the acute clinic in Bad Saulgau, emphasizes the importance of professional help in the treatment of BPD. Medication can be helpful during therapy for people with BPD, particularly for alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, and depression.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of behavioral therapy that helps people with BPD to regulate emotions and master crises without self-harm. Therapies that specifically train the handling of feelings and relationships are the most effective in coping with BPD.
Common symptoms in men with BPD include aggression, drug use, and reckless driving. Self-harm is a common symptom in women with BPD. Intense fears of abandonment are also common in people with BPD. Emotional instability and conflicted relationships often take center stage in women with BPD.
In conclusion, BPD is a complex mental health disorder that requires understanding, patience, and professional care. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, seek help from a mental health professional. With the right support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
