Is BPD Genetic?
Research has shown that borderline personality disorder can run in families.This happens most likely for a few reasons.
According to research, the heritability of BPD is an estimated 46%.
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The remaining risk varies depending on the individual and is connected to unique environmental factors.
Having a genetic susceptibility to BPD isn’t a guarantee that someone will eventually develop the condition, however.
For example, someone who is maltreated as a child is at greater risk to develop BPD.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
That person is also at greater risk of having difficulty parenting.
Although you’re able to’t change genetics, you have some control over your child’s environment.
Recap
Genes are a risk factor for BPD, but environment also plays an important role.
Get Treatment
The first thing that you’re able to do is to gettreatmentfor yourself.
Having fewer symptoms means having more resources for effective parenting.
Your doctor or therapist can help figure out an effective treatment path for you.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Your provider can help you evaluate your home surroundings and whether your symptoms could be affecting your parenting skills.
Treatment Options
BPD is typically treatedwith a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
These may relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and paranoid thinking.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
This is due to shared genetic and environmental factors that play a role in causing BPD.
The age of onset for BPD symptoms usually occurs during adolescence or early adulthood.
Research suggests that people typically begin treatment for the condition around age 18.
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Biskin RS.The lifetime course of borderline personality disorder.Can J Psychiatry.
