Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex, often misunderstood mental health condition.
Mental health professionals used to think it was untreatable.
People may go from one intense emotion to the next, feeling extremely loving followed by feeling irrationally angry.
(2) These mood swings can last hours or days.
Such intense emotional responses can lead to trouble with personal relationships, self-esteem issues, and impulsive actions.
(3)
How Common Is BPD Exactly, and Does It Affect Women or Men More?
(4) Around 75 percent of people diagnosed with BPD are women.
Indeed, study results are conflicting: One study suggested that BPD actually affects men and women equally.
(7) Many people get a diagnosis in young adulthood, around age 18.
Its likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
(2,3)
Learn More About the Causes and Risk Factors of BPD
Is BPD Genetic?
For instance, abuse and neglect are tied to BPD.
Learning about BPD and how it influences your partners behavior might help ease some frustrations on both ends.
Sometimes, a little compassion and good communication can go a long way.
Get support for yourself as well.
Its very common for someone with BPD to be diagnosed with other mental health conditions as well.
Its a very hard diagnosis because its so complex, says Kassar.
Youll also want to work with someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
Up to 80 percent of people with BPD have suicidal behaviors and about 4 to 9 percent commit suicide.
(14)
Usually self-harm serves the function of reducing emotional distress in people with BPD, says Mahaffey.
People say it feels good or they get a sense of relief.
Untreated BPD also has the risk of exacerbating other mental illnesses that coexist with it.
Learn More About the Possible Complications of Untreated BPD.
Additional reporting by Jessica Migala.
