Borderline Personality Disorder
What is BPD?
We diagnose BPD as is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-V). Did you know that there are 256 different ways that you can have Borderline Personality Disorder? Yes. Based on the criteria, a person would need to meet 5 out of 9 to be diagnosed with the disorder. But you could meet a variety of combinations…5 out of 9, yes; or 6 out of 9, 7 out of 9, etc. It’s not as easy, to sum up, a person with BPD as some of the pejorative information out there suggests.
What Causes BPD?
If no one has ever told you—let us be the first. It’s. Not. Your. Fault. Regardless of who you are, you are not powerful enough to “cause” BPD. There is so much more to it than that.
The "magical formula" is Genetics + Invalidating Environment = BPD. An "invalidating environment" is one in which the person doesn't seem to "fit." An emotionally sensitive person may feel crazy, bad, or always misunderstood. They may experience extreme emotional pain from “small things” and they don’t trust themselves because of it. This doesn’t mean the environment is bad, abusive, or somehow to blame. Sometimes, there’s just a poor fit. And just because you grew up in an “invalidating environment” doesn’t mean you end up with BPD. The genetics have to be there too.
How can I help my spouse, child, partner, etc. with BPD?
Helping clients and families identify what they can change and what they can’t change is #goals in DBT. In therapy, we help loved ones minimize their contributions to the problems (by invalidating) while also helping coach them in how to be real, transparent, and how to set their own limits.
Learning how and when to validate is a huge part of the process.
Parents: Know How to Validate? Take this 90 Quiz.
What are the symptoms of BPD?
Troubled relationships, impulsivity, and anger outbursts affect not only those suffering with Borderline Personality Disorder, but family and friends as well. In addition to these symptoms, those with BPD may also struggle with daily suicidal thoughts, rapid mood swings, feelings of emptiness and uncertainty about who they are and what matters. Self-harm, substance abuse, and tumultuous relationships may seem to provide the only relief from their own personal hell. Without a diagnosis, many people never understand that what they are struggling with is a true disorder. Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder is both available and effective.
What kind of therapy treats Borderline Personality Disorder?
PSYCHē, PLLC specializes in the treatment of BPD and support of patient's families using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), one of the recognized "gold standards" in the treatment of BPD and Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), another well validated treatment we offer, both of which involve individual and group.