But BPD is much more common than you probably think.
Here are some relevant BPD facts and figures.
That percentage means that over four million people have BPD in America alone.
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While BPD is not as well known as other disorders, it is actually more common than illnesses likeschizophrenia.
Gender Differences
Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with BPD than men.
Researchers do not know why there is this gender difference.
About 70% of people with BPD will make at least one suicide attempt in their lifetimes.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Why these rates are so high is currently unknown.
It’s also common for those with BPD to have comorbidities or other illnesses along with BPD.
Prognosis
While BPD is a serious mental illness, it is by no means a life sentence.
Research has shown that theprognosisfor BPD is actually not as bad at once thought.
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American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses-5th Edition, 2013.
Work Group on Borderline Personality Disorder.
Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder.American Journal of Psychiatry, 158:1-52.
