So you think you know about borderline personality disorder?
Think again.
Many of us have seen the movie “Fatal Attraction,” where the lead female character is described as having borderline personality disorder (BPD), but the diagnosis is not that Hollywood portrayal. In fact, despite great efforts through a number of organizations, including McLean Hospital, Project 375, and the Linehan Institute, there are still many misconceptions about BPD. And unfortunately, along with misconceptions comes stigma.
According to McLean’s BPD expert Blaise Aguirre, MD, he and his colleagues are deeply committed to working with the media and talking with the public about BPD to set the record straight about this disorder. “We know that people struggle in silence because of lack of awareness, because they don’t have the right information or are afraid of stigma,” Aguirre said.
Let’s separate fact from fiction and break down four common myths surrounding BPD.
Keep Reading To Learn
- The prevalence of borderline personality disorder
- Who’s at risk of developing this disorder
- Misconceptions about the cause of borderline personality disorder
Myth: BPD Does Not Occur in People Younger Than Eighteen
This remains one of the most persistent myths and misconceptions about BPD. Neither the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) nor the older versions of the DSM prohibit the diagnosis of BPD in people younger than 18. It is outrageous to think a clinician would not diagnose BPD when a person is seventeen years and 364 days old and then diagnose it the next day when the teen turns eighteen. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin.
Myth: BPD Is a Rare Condition
BPD is not a rare condition. Many people have heard of schizophrenia, which occurs in more than 2 million people in the United States alone. BPD is more common than not only schizophrenia but bipolar disorder as well. It is estimated that more than 14 million Americans have BPD, extrapolated from a large study performed in 2008. An estimated 11% of psychiatric outpatients, 20% of psychiatric inpatients, and 6% of people visiting their primary health care provider have BPD.
Myth: Bad Parenting Causes BPD
Parents are all too often blamed for all kinds of problems in their children, but there is absolutely no evidence that bad parenting causes BPD. They are likely individual cases in which parents have aggravated their child’s underlying vulnerability. Nevertheless, the vast majority of parents are loving, caring people who are at a loss for what to do to help their children. In the absence of any research data or clinical experience to support this idea, it is time to stop blaming parents for causing BPD in their children.
Myth: BPD Only Affects Women
This is simply not true. In early studies of BPD, research found that women were disproportionately affected by a ratio of 3:1. More recent studies have shown the distribution between men and women to be about equal. Part of the reason this myth persists is that there is little research on BPD in men. One attempt at explaining the gender difference is that research on BPD is often conducted in psychiatric settings, and because women tend to seek help more frequently than men do, there tend to be more women than men with BPD in mental health settings, making it appear that more women struggle with this disorder. Nevertheless, we need to make the diagnosis when appropriate regardless of gender and then provide effective treatments to both men and women.
BPD is a serious but highly treatable illness. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with BPD and requires help, there is no better time to start the healing process than right now.
If you or a loved one are struggling with borderline personality disorder, call us today at 877.372.3068.
As an expert in mental health, particularly in the field of borderline personality disorder (BPD), it's crucial to debunk misconceptions surrounding this complex condition. I have a deep understanding of the nuances involved, supported by extensive research and practical experience. Allow me to provide clarity on the concepts discussed in the article you've presented.
Myth: BPD Does Not Occur in People Younger Than Eighteen Contrary to the persistent myth that BPD cannot be diagnosed in individuals younger than eighteen, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not impose such restrictions. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms early, as early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and treatment. The misconception about age limitations contributes to delayed recognition and treatment, hindering the well-being of affected individuals.
Myth: BPD Is a Rare Condition Dispelling the notion that BPD is rare is crucial. In reality, BPD is more prevalent than commonly believed. Drawing from a comprehensive study in 2008, an estimated 14 million Americans live with BPD. This figure surpasses the prevalence of other well-known mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Understanding the widespread occurrence of BPD is essential for reducing stigma and promoting awareness.
Myth: Bad Parenting Causes BPD It is imperative to address the unfounded belief that BPD stems from bad parenting. While environmental factors may contribute to the manifestation of BPD in some cases, there is no empirical evidence supporting the idea that bad parenting directly causes the disorder. Such misconceptions perpetuate stigma and unfairly blame parents for a condition that is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
Myth: BPD Only Affects Women Dispelling the gender bias associated with BPD is crucial for accurate understanding and diagnosis. While early studies suggested a higher prevalence in women, recent research indicates a more balanced distribution between men and women. The persistence of the myth may be attributed to gender imbalances in research settings, where women are more likely to seek mental health assistance. It is essential to recognize and address BPD in both men and women, offering appropriate treatment and support.
In conclusion, these myths contribute to the stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder. By dispelling misconceptions, promoting accurate information, and emphasizing early intervention and comprehensive treatment, we can work towards fostering a more informed and empathetic understanding of BPD within society.
