Individuals with BPD have an intense fear of being abandoned by others. At times, they may frantically seek to avoid this by pre-empting and provoking other to reject them. Sadly, this makes the establishment of a stable and mutually satisfying relationships with others very difficult. People with BPD are also more prone to substance abuse and self-injury.
The prevalence of BPD in the general population is estimated to range from 1.6% to as high as 5.9%. Approximately 20% of inpatient psychiatric patients are estimated to have BPD. Its more likely to be diagnosed in females (75%) than in males. Some believe that it is under-diagnosed in males who are more likely to be diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder.
How can Borderline Personality Disorder be treated?
The treatment of BPD is complex. Therapist are frequently challenged by Borderline Personality Disorder patients who fear abandonment but engage in rejection behaviors to manage their fears. The best type of treatment is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy designed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., specifically for Borderline Personality Disorder treatment. DBT is a skills training therapy that teaches BPD patients how to manage their volatile emotions through self-soothing techniques. Borderline Personality Disorder treatment requires an extended period of at least several months and the cooperation of the patient. Since trust is fragile in BPD clients building rapport is often slow.
Many people with Borderline Personality Disorder experience significant psychological trauma as children which likely played a role in the development of this disorder.
While there are no medications that have been specifically developed for Borderline Personality Disorder treatment there are medication therapies focused on symptom patterns. Anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotic medications can be used to reduce symptoms that are most debilitating and which interfere with therapy.
BPD patients in treatment may need hospitalization if self-injurious behavior or suicidal thoughts are present. Structured supportive housing and the clinical treatment of the type provided by BlueSky Behavioral Health's Enhanced Treatment Program can be very valuable. Our intensive daily therapies are combined with a safe living environment and the assistance of a life coach. These three components work together to help our clients in Borderline Personality Disorder treatment reach their recovery goals.
With an extended period of treatment that includes abstinence from drugs and alcohol and a healthy support system people with Borderline Personality Disorder can exit the severe symptoms of BPD and enter into a more stable and satisfying pattern of living.
