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Borderline Personality Disorder

At Clarity Clinic, we understand the complexities of BPD and are committed to tailoring our treatment programs to each individual's unique needs. Our team of experienced clinicians and therapists is dedicated to guiding you or your loved one on a transformative journey toward emotional well-being and stability.
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Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, affects, and marked impulsivity that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts. Individuals with borderline personality disorder have an intense fear of abandonment or instability and may have difficulty tolerating being alone. While these individuals have this fear and seek out interpersonal relationships, their behavior more often than none pushes friends and family away.

Behaviors like inappropriate anger, impulsiveness, and frequent mood swings cause difficulty, even though they want to have loving and lasting relationships. BPD impacts the way an individual thinks and feels about themselves and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. BPD frequently co-occurs with other personality disorders. The most common pattern for the course of BPD is one of chronic instability in early childhood, with episodes of serious affective and impulsive dyscontrol and high levels of use of health and mental health resources.

It’s estimated that 1.6% of the adult U.S. population has BPD, but that number may be as high as 5.9%. 75% of people that are diagnosed with BPD are women, but this is not to say that men are not susceptible to having BPD. Research suggests that men may be equally affected by BPD but are commonly misdiagnosed with PTSD or depression. BPD, like other personality disorders, is not diagnosed in children or adolescents, but mostly in adults. Personalities of children and adolescents are still developing so what may appear to be signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder may go away as children get older and become more mature.

Borderline Personality Disorder Causes

The cause of borderline personality disorder is not fully understood but there is an agreement that it is caused by a combination of factors. BPD may be linked to brain abnormalities, the part of the brain that controls emotions and decision-making/judgment may not communicate optimally with one another. It may also be the case that certain brain chemicals that help regulate mood, like serotonin, may not function correctly.

Genetics may play a role in the development of borderline personality disorder. While there is no specific gene related to BPD, some studies of twins and families suggest that personality disorders may be inherited or strongly associated with other mental health disorders among family members.

BPD is about five times more common among people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder. Finally, environmental factors may also be linked to BPD. Research has shown that a history of child abuse or neglect or who experienced other traumatic life events are at increased risk of developing BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms

To be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the following criteria must be met:

  • A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, and indicated by five (or more of the following):
    • Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
    • A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremeness of idealization and devaluation.
    • Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
    • Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e,g., sex, substance abuse, spending, binge eating, reckless driving).
    • Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
    • Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., irritability, intense episodic dysphoria, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
    • Chronic feelings of emptiness.
    • Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e,g., frequent displays of temper, recurrent physical fights, constant anger).
    • Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

How to Approach a Loved One About BPD

There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know has a borderline personality disorder. People without borderline personality disorder struggle to understand how their loved ones experience intense reactions, mood swings, and risky behavior. Providing support and being aware of what their learning in treatment can be helpful. It’s important to determine the level of care a loved one may need before engaging in (and throughout) treatment.

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

Borderline personality disorder can be a challenge to treat not only because it is complicated and stigmatized, but also because its symptoms reflect ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior. Treatment for BPD is long-term and requires a comprehensive treatment plan. When considering treatment it is important to consider co-occurring conditions that may exist, which are common in individuals with BPD.

Individual Therapy

Our borderline personality disorder therapists specialize in evidence-based therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These therapeutic modalities help individuals understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and cultivate healthier thought patterns. Through one-on-one sessions, our therapists work collaboratively with clients to navigate the challenges posed by BPD and foster personal growth.

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)– Dialectical behavior therapy is the most common form of treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder. DBT focuses on teaching coping skills to combat counterproductive urges, regulate emotions and improve relationships. Studies conducted by researchers at the University of Washington have concluded that dialectical behavior therapy is effective at reducing self-mutilation and suicide attempts, as well as the number of days spent in psychiatric hospitals (Harvard Health Publishing, 2010).
  • Schema-focused therapy- The goal of therapy is to help the individual replace old schemas (or ways of thinking) with new ones and adopt a new mode of behavior, that of the “healthy adult.”

Group Therapy

Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly empowering. Our group therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with BPD to share their stories, learn from one another, and develop crucial interpersonal skills. Led by skilled facilitators, these group sessions encourage a sense of community and belonging.

Medication Management

To date, there are no drugs approved by the FDA that have been specifically created to treat borderline personality disorder. For some individuals, medication can play a significant role in managing BPD symptoms. Our experienced psychiatrists work closely with clients to determine if medication is an appropriate option and tailor prescriptions to suit individual needs. We prioritize a collaborative approach, ensuring that clients are well informed and comfortable with their treatment plans.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Learning to manage stress and regulate emotions is essential for BPD recovery. Our mindfulness-based techniques and stress reduction strategies help individuals develop a stronger sense of self-awareness, allowing them to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity.

Family Therapy

We understand the impact that BPD can have on families and loved ones. Our family therapy sessions provide a platform for open communication and education, helping families better understand BPD and learn how to provide effective support. Together, we work towards rebuilding and strengthening familial relationships.

Begin Your Journey to Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, know that you're not alone. At Clarity Clinic, we are dedicated to guiding you toward a brighter, more fulfilling future. Take the first step towards healing by scheduling an appointment today. Our compassionate team is ready to support you on your path to recovery.

Borderline Personality Disorder Providers

Jade
Jade Austin, MA
Therapy
Anish
Anish Desai, MD
Therapy
Rebecca
Rebecca Helm, LSW
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Zubair
Zubair Khan, PA-C
PA-C
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
Therapy
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Virginia
Virginia Harren, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Callie
Callie Perlman, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sara
Sara Fakhri, MA
Therapy
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Leslie
Leslie Wolf, LCPC
Therapist
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Katherine
Katherine Evans, LCPC
Therapist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Stanley, LCSW
Therapy
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jordan
Jordan Valentic-Holden, MA
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Cunningham, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Autumn
Autumn Holtschlag, ALMFT, LPC
Therapy
Liz
Liz Hand, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Brent
Brent Hope, LCSW
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Aimee
Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Anita
Anita Weber, LSW
Therapy

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