At a Glance
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships.
Paranoia is one common symptom of the condition, which involves feelings of irrational distrust and suspicion.
This symptom can seriously affect functioning and relationships and emerges during times of stress or conflict.
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Keep reading to learn more about paranoia in borderline personality disorder and how to cope with this symptom.
The paranoia that occurs in BPD is considered non-delusional.
Prevalence of Paranoia in BPD
Research indicates that around 87% of people with BPD experience paranoia.
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, but medication may also be prescribed.
It is also not uncommon for people with BPD to receive inpatient hospitalization in times of crisis.
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy that helps people with emotional regulation, relationships, and distress tolerance.
MBT can help people learn to recognize how emotions affect behaviors.
By learning how to change your thoughts or emotions to slow these mechanisms down, you help reduce stress.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathingis a highly effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
The advantage of deep breathing is that it can be done anywhere, anytime.
Sit or lie down, fill your lungs slowly, and then exhale your breath back out slowly.
Meditation
Meditation is a mindfulness practice that has existed for centuries.
Differentmeditation methodscan be found online.
Like yoga, it involves specific poses, targeted concentration, slow movements, and focused breathing.
Recap
Finding ways to cope with stress may help reduce feelings of paranoia in borderline personality disorder.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Masland SR.Managing mistrust, paranoia, and relationship rupture.
In: Palmer B, Unruh B, eds.Borderline Personality Disorder.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
Behan C.The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19.Ir J Psychol Med.
2022;16(3):180-189. doi:10.1002/pmh.1529
