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Does child abuse causeborderline personality disorder(BPD)?
There is no simple answer.
What Is Child Abuse?
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The term “child abuse” covers a wide range of mental and physical injuries done to a minor.
There is also emotional neglect, where a child’s emotional needs are ignored.
Both child abuse and neglect can be related to the development of psychological disorders.
Sometimes the term “child maltreatment” is used to describe both abuse and neglect of children.
People with BPD report high rates of childhood sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and/or physical abuse.
Other studies have likewise investigated the role of emotional abuse in subsequent BPD diagnosis.
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.
What the Research Says
Research has fairly conclusively demonstrated a relationship between BPD and childhood maltreatment.
That said, there is no clear evidence that maltreatment causes BPD.
Research that demonstrates an association between two things doesn’t necessarily prove that there is a cause between them.
A Word From Verywell
BPD is a highly misunderstood disease.
Contrary to popular opinion, BPD is treatable, and those living with it can live meaningful lives.
National Institute of Mental Health.
Child Abuse and Neglect.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.
2016;10(4):274-284. doi:10.1002/pmh.1348
