Occasionally, a person younger than age 18 may be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder if symptoms are significant and last at least a year. In diagnosing the illness, providers will discuss a person’s symptoms and ask about family medical histories, including histories of mental illness.īorderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. A careful and thorough medical exam also can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms. How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?Ī licensed mental health professional-such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker-who is experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders can diagnose borderline personality disorder based on a thorough interview and a discussion about symptoms. Likewise, people without these risk factors may develop the disorder in their lifetime. Others may have been exposed to unstable, invalidating relationships or conflicts.Īlthough these factors may increase a person’s risk, it doesn’t mean it is certain that they’ll develop borderline personality disorder. Environmental, cultural, and social factors: Many people with borderline personality disorder report experiencing traumatic life events, such as abuse, abandonment, or hardship during childhood.However, the studies do not demonstrate whether these changes were risk factors for the illness or if such changes were caused by the disorder. Brain structure and function: Research shows that people with borderline personality disorder may have structural and functional changes in the brain, especially in the areas that control impulses and emotion regulation.Family history: People who have a close family member (such as a parent or sibling) with the illness may be at a higher risk of developing borderline personality disorder.Researchers aren’t sure what causes borderline personality disorder, but studies suggest that genetic, environmental, and social factors may increase the risk of developing it. What causes borderline personality disorder? You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). People with borderline personality disorder who are thinking of harming themselves or attempting suicide need help right away. People with borderline personality disorder have a significantly higher rate of self-harming and suicidal behavior than the general population. ![]() The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms depend on the person and their illness. Not everyone with borderline personality disorder may experience all of these symptoms. Feelings of dissociation, such as feeling cut off from oneself, observing oneself from outside one’s body, or feelings of unreality.Inappropriate, intense anger or problems controlling anger.Intense and highly variable moods, with episodes lasting from a few hours to a few days.Recurring thoughts of suicidal behaviors or threats.Self-harming behavior, such as cutting.Please note: If these behaviors happen mostly during times of elevated mood or energy, they may be symptoms of a mood disorder and not borderline personality disorder. Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, such as spending sprees, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, and binge eating.A distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self.A pattern of intense and unstable relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.Efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment, such as plunging headfirst into relationships-or ending them just as quickly.Their interests and values can change quickly, and they may act impulsively or recklessly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. These changing feelings can lead to unstable relationships and emotional pain. Their feelings for others can change quickly, and swing from extreme closeness to extreme dislike. People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense mood swings and feel uncertainty about how they see themselves. Learn more about the disorder, how it’s diagnosed, and how to find support. Effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others. Research Training and Career Development Opportunitiesīorderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to regulate their emotions.Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program).Upcoming Observances and Related Events.Contribute to Mental Health Research Mobile navigation
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