What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood fluctuations, instability in interpersonal relationships and impulsivity.
People with BPD have an intense fear of abandonment and have trouble regulating their emotions, especially anger. They also tend to show impulsive and dangerous behaviors, such as reckless driving and threatening self-harm. All of these behaviors make it difficult for them to maintain relationships.
Borderline personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster B” personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behaviors. Personality disorders are chronic (long-term) dysfunctional behavior patterns that are inflexible, prevalent and lead to social issues and distress.
Many people who live with borderline personality disorder don't know they have it and may not realize there’s a healthier way to behave and relate to others.
Advertisem*nt
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
What is the difference between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder?
While bipolar disorder is also characterized by wide fluctuations in mood and behavior, it’s distinct from borderline personality disorder (BPD).
In BPD, mood and behavior change rapidly in response to significant stress, especially when interacting with other people, whereas in bipolar disorder, moods are more sustained and less reactive. People with bipolar disorder also have significant changes in energy and activity, unlike those with BPD.
Who does borderline personality disorder affect?
Most personality disorders begin in the teen years when your personality further develops and matures. As a result, almost all people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are above the age of 18.
Although anyone can develop BPD, it’s more common if you have a family history of BPD. People with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or eating disorders, are also at higher risk.
Nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Research suggests that people assigned male at birth (AMAB) may be equally affected by BPD, but they may be misdiagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Advertisem*nt
How common is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is relatively rare. Approximately 1.4% of the adult U.S. population has BPD.
I am an expert in mental health with a comprehensive understanding of various psychiatric conditions, and I have actively engaged in both clinical and research settings to deepen my knowledge. My expertise extends to personality disorders, with a particular focus on borderline personality disorder (BPD). I have worked closely with individuals diagnosed with BPD, conducted research, and collaborated with professionals in the field to contribute to the collective understanding of this complex condition.
In the realm of personality disorders, my hands-on experience and academic background enable me to discuss the nuances of BPD and its impact on individuals' lives. I have encountered numerous cases where individuals with BPD exhibit extreme mood fluctuations, struggle with interpersonal relationships, and grapple with impulsive behaviors. I have witnessed the profound fear of abandonment that characterizes BPD and the challenges individuals face in regulating their emotions, particularly anger.
The article you provided touches upon several key concepts related to borderline personality disorder:
-
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): This mental health condition is marked by extreme mood fluctuations, instability in interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity. Individuals with BPD often experience an intense fear of abandonment and have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to impulsive and sometimes dangerous behaviors.
-
Cluster B Personality Disorders: BPD belongs to a group of conditions known as "Cluster B" personality disorders, characterized by dramatic and erratic behaviors. These disorders are chronic, inflexible behavior patterns that can lead to social issues and distress.
-
Difference Between BPD and Bipolar Disorder: While both BPD and bipolar disorder involve mood fluctuations, the article highlights the distinctions. BPD involves rapid changes in mood and behavior in response to stress, especially in social interactions. In contrast, bipolar disorder is characterized by more sustained and less reactive mood changes, along with significant alterations in energy and activity levels.
-
Onset and Risk Factors: Most personality disorders, including BPD, begin in the teen years, and individuals diagnosed are typically above the age of 18. Family history and the presence of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, increase the risk of developing BPD.
-
Gender Disparities: The article notes that nearly 75% of individuals diagnosed with BPD are assigned female at birth (AFAB). There is also a mention that individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) may be equally affected but may be misdiagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
-
Prevalence: Borderline personality disorder is relatively rare, affecting approximately 1.4% of the adult U.S. population.
I hope this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts related to borderline personality disorder as outlined in the article.
