This guide was written to help you learn about borderline personality disorder. It will discuss current treatment options. If you have questions about the details in this guide, talk with your doctors and nurses.
It can be a severe health concern. People with this disorder often have problems with mood, self-image, and relationships. Common signs and symptoms are:
Unstable, intense relationships
Fear of abandonment, separation, or loss
A dislike of being alone; needing to have other people with them
Problems with self-image
Acting on impulse (spending money, unsafe sex, reckless driving)
Self-harm such as cutting, suicide attempts
Rapid mood changes
Always feeling empty
Feeling wary or being out-of-touch with reality when stressed
Feelings of anger for no known reason
What causes this?
The cause is unknown. Many theories attempt to explain this illness. These theories focus on:
Parent-child relationship
Childhood abuse
Biological factors
Parent’s mental disorder
What is the treatment?
The choice of treatment depends on many factors. These factors include:
Your history
Your current needs and interests
The treatment options where you live
Treatment Options
Dialectical behavioral group therapy (DBT)
One on one counseling
Group, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) rehab programs
Keeping crisis plans up to date
Medicines
It may be helpful for all members of the health care team to have a copy of the crisis plan.
Who to Call
If you have questions, please call the Psychiatry Inpatient Unit at (608) 263-7525.