What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a kind of mental health problem. It may also be called emotionally unstable personality disorder. People with BPD have unstable moods and can act recklessly. They also have a hard time managing their emotions. If you have BPD, you may have problems with daily tasks, obligations, and life events. You may have trouble keeping jobs and relationships. And you may use food, alcohol, or other substances to cope.
It’s important to get treatment because you are at higher risk for suicide. You are also at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harm. Experts are still learning about the condition. Certain kinds of treatment can help and are often quite successful.
Some other types of Personality disorders
- Paranoid Personality Disorder – Individuals affected by paranoid personality disorder have a general suspicion that everyone is out to mistreat them. The condition usually does not extend into psychosis such as schizophrenia.
- Schizoid Personality Disorder – This condition tends to cause patients to avoid social interaction and be indifferent to social cues. The disorder extends beyond introversion; introverts occasionally enjoy socializing.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder – People with antisocial personality disorder have a noted disregard for the rights and feelings of others, often performing criminal acts for personal gain.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder – This condition is characterized by acting in an overly dramatic or emotional way, usually as a bid to draw attention.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Named for the figure from Greek mythology, narcissistic personality disorder causes patients to have an inflated view of self or their importance, often at the expense of others.
- Avoidant Personality Disorder – People with avoidant personality disorder are often extremely shy and harbor feelings of inadequacy. They are very hesitant to confront others about their problems or to express their feelings.
- Dependent Personality Disorder – People who have dependent personality disorder have difficulty functioning without the aid or encouragement of others.
