8 Borderline Personality Disorder Facts

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) creates intense emotional disturbances that lead to an imbalanced sense of self. As such, you may have trouble developing healthy relationships and often participate in destructive behavior. ¹

Due to the nature of BPD, a lot remains misunderstood. This is one of the reasons it’s important to lay out some borderline personality disorder facts.

BPD Symptoms

While symptoms of BPD vary, there are some common traits you may experience. These include:

• Contradictory emotions in a short period (sometimes referred to as “black and white” thinking)
• Feelings of abandonment, emptiness, shame, and self-loathing
• Impulsive behaviors (i.e. risky driving, unsafe sex, substance abuse)
• Inability to maintain stable relationships
• Intense anger
• Mood swings and problems controlling emotions (most notably, anger)
• Paranoid thinking (irrational thoughts)
• Periods of anxiety and depression
• Self-injury
• Suicidal ideation
• Unstable sense of self

These symptoms have led to the following BPD facts:

1.) BPD Affects 1% of the Population

One of the most common symptoms of BPD is intense feelings of abandonment. However, if you struggle with this condition, you should feel anything but alone.

According to a 2007 National Comorbidity Survey, it was discovered that nearly 1.4% of the 5,692 people who participated had met the diagnostic criteria for BPD. Not to mention, around 9% of respondents had some form of a personality disorder. ²

2.) People with BPD Struggle with Other Mental Disorders

According to the same survey mentioned above, 84.5% of people with BPD also had an accompanying mental health condition. Since several mental disorders have similar symptoms to BPD, mental health professionals may have a difficult time with diagnosis. ³

One of the most common co-occurring conditions with BPD is depression. While some individuals may only experience periods of depression, others will go on to develop a major depressive disorder or a form of bipolar disorder.

Mental health professionals still don’t have a clear indication as to why people experience BPD and other mental illnesses. However, it’s believed to have something to do with the way an individual copes with their BPD symptoms. For example, some may turn to drugs and alcohol to ease pain and, in turn, develop a substance abuse disorder. ⁴

3.) People with BPD are More Likely to Commit Self-Harm or Suicide

Two of the most intense symptoms of BPD are the inability to control emotions and impulsive behavior. When these symptoms are combined, they become a concoction that leads to destruction either in the form of self-harm or suicide.

In fact, it’s estimated that between 8% and 10% of those with BPD will die of suicide. ⁵ For a condition that’s believed to affect at least 1% of the total population, this estimation is daunting.

That’s not to mention the percentage of suicide attempts among people with BPD. Some sources estimate it’s anywhere between 60% to 70%. ⁶

People with BPD have a tendency to participate in self-harm. Mental health professionals believe this provides instant relief and is often made out of impulsive behavior. ⁷

IMPORTANT: If you participate (or consider participation) in self-harm and have no one to talk to, we advise you to reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.

4.) Mental Health Professionals Aren’t Sure What Causes BPD

The source of BPD symptoms has left researchers stumped for decades. However, we do know the following factors can play a role:

• Environment – While environmental factors aren’t entirely clear, many with BPD have reported experiences of childhood trauma, including abuse and abandonment. ⁸

• Genetics – While there is no gene linked to BPD, it’s been observed that you’re more likely to experience the condition if someone in your family also has it.

• Neurology – Through brain scans, researchers have noticed structural and functional differences between a healthy brain and someone with BPD. Further research may be able to identify which neurological problems an individual experiences that lead to difficulty with emotional regulations. ⁹

5.) Difficulties in Diagnosing Adolescents with BPD

Many experts advocate that those under the age of 18 shouldn’t be diagnosed with any form of personality disorder. Since children and teenagers experience emotional maturation, it’s widely believed that these can prevent signs that could lead to a misdiagnosis of conditions like BPD.

Still, some experts find BPD can be spotted in both children and adolescents. The signs and symptoms are almost the same as those present in adults. The most notable being: ¹⁰

• Consistent angry outbursts
• Impulsive risk-taking
• Interpersonal problems
• Low self-esteem
• Self-injury and suicidal ideation

While the debate continues as to when is a proper time for a BPD diagnosis, the earlier a person is diagnosed, the more professionals can do to help treat the condition.

6.) Therapy is a Necessity and Struggle for BPD

Mental health professionals agree that certain types of therapy are the most effective when it comes to managing BPD symptoms, such as emotional regulation. The two most common types of therapy for BPD include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Allows you to identify and control your emotions and conduct. ¹¹

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – Allows you to accept and become mindful of your emotions while developing coping skills. ¹²

Still, one of the biggest complications people with BPD face is their lack of trust in others. With that, BPD patients tend to not have confidence in a therapist.

While one-on-one therapy sessions can be helpful, group therapy has also had positive effects on people with BPD. Due to the nature of the conversations these therapies present, people can interact and express themselves to others struggling with similar symptoms. ¹³

7.) Stigma Surrounding BPD

BPD faces stigma among the general population and the medical community. A 2013 review found that many mental health providers have harmful views concerning people with BPD. ¹⁴

A common misunderstanding is that people with BPD are purposefully and spitefully attempting to manipulate those around them. This belief stems from the intense emotions and risk of self-harm.

Unfortunately, this false belief also overlooks the positive aspects of people with BPD. For example, many individuals who struggle with this condition are very sensitive and deeply understand other’s emotions. Not to mention, this deeper connection with their emotion may make them more creative.

8.) There is Hope for People with BPD

While BPD cannot be cured, anyone with the condition can overcome their symptoms. In fact, a study published in 2011 found that out of 175 BPD patients, 85% only had two or fewer symptoms within ten years of treatment. The majority of these changes happened in the earlier years. ¹⁵

We understand that BPD can be difficult to manage. However, help is available and treatment is effective. If you currently struggle with BPD, we highly recommend you consult a mental health professional to figure out what the best treatment option for you is.

References

¹ Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C. Borderline Personality Disorder. 2023 Jun 2. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28613633.

² Lenzenweger MF, Lane MC, Loranger AW, Kessler RC. DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Sep 15;62(6):553-64. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019. Epub 2007 Jan 9. PMID: 17217923; PMCID: PMC2044500.

³ Newlin E, Weinstein B. Personality disorders. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015 Jun;21(3 Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry):806-17. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000466668.02477.0c. PMID: 26039856.

⁴ Jones CM, McCance-Katz EF. Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders among adults with opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 Apr 1;197:78-82. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.12.030. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30784952.

⁵ Stone MH. Borderline Personality Disorder: Clinical Guidelines for Treatment. Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2022 Spring;50(1):45-63. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2022.50.1.45. PMID: 35235397.

⁶ Yen S, Peters JR, Nishar S, Grilo CM, Sanislow CA, Shea MT, Zanarini MC, McGlashan TH, Morey LC, Skodol AE. Association of Borderline Personality Disorder Criteria With Suicide Attempts: Findings From the Collaborative Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders Over 10 Years of Follow-up. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 1;78(2):187-194. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3598. PMID: 33206138; PMCID: PMC7675214.

⁷ Brickman LJ, Ammerman BA, Look AE, Berman ME, McCloskey MS. The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and borderline personality disorder symptoms in a college sample. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2014 Sep 25;1:14. doi: 10.1186/2051-6673-1-14. PMID: 26401298; PMCID: PMC4579519.

⁸ Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Ystrom E, Neale MC, Aggen SH, Mazzeo SE, Knudsen GP, Tambs K, Czajkowski NO, Kendler KS. Structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for symptoms of DSM-IV borderline personality disorder. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;70(11):1206-14. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.1944. PMID: 24048243; PMCID: PMC3927987.

⁹ Lis E, Greenfield B, Henry M, Guilé JM, Dougherty G. Neuroimaging and genetics of borderline personality disorder: a review. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2007 May;32(3):162-73. PMID: 17476363; PMCID: PMC1863557.

¹⁰ Guilé JM, Boissel L, Alaux-Cantin S, de La Rivière SG. Borderline personality disorder in adolescents: prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2018 Nov 23;9:199-210. doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S156565. PMID: 30538595; PMCID: PMC6257363.

¹¹ Chand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. 2023 May 23. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 29261869.

¹² May JM, Richardi TM, Barth KS. Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2016 Mar 8;6(2):62-67. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62. PMID: 29955449; PMCID: PMC6007584.

¹³ Nehls N. Group therapy for people with borderline personality disorder: interventions associated with positive outcomes. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 1992 Jul-Sep;13(3):255-69. doi: 10.3109/01612849209078777. PMID: 1399522.

¹⁴ Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Responses of mental health clinicians to patients with borderline personality disorder. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2013 May;10(5-6):39-43. PMID: 23882440; PMCID: PMC3719460.

¹⁵ Gunderson JG, Stout RL, McGlashan TH, Shea MT, Morey LC, Grilo CM, Zanarini MC, Yen S, Markowitz JC, Sanislow C, Ansell E, Pinto A, Skodol AE. Ten-year course of borderline personality disorder: psychopathology and function from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011 Aug;68(8):827-37. doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.37. Epub 2011 Apr 4. PMID: 21464343; PMCID: PMC3158489.