Mental health experts began officially recognizing borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the 1980s. Originally, it seemed to occur on the edge between neurosis and psychosis. However, experts no longer consider it to accurately describe those core behaviors. In order to help individuals achieve stability, mental health professionals have developed various borderline personality disorder treatment techniques.

What Is BPD?

Woman Receiving Borderline Personality Disorder TreatmentAmong the three clusters of the 10 personality disorders, borderline personality disorder—or BPD—falls into Cluster B. Many individuals diagnosed with BPD are erratic, dramatic, and emotional. BPD itself is a severe mental illness in which people can’t control their emotions, moods or impulses. These issues often lead to unstable relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.

People with BPD often act impulsively. They typically bounce between everything in their lives, including emotions and self-image. The cause is their reaction to what happens around them, such as bad news, flawed perceptions or stress.

BPD Causes

Experts don’t know the exact causes of BPD. Like with most mental disorders, however, they believe that genetics, family life, and various social elements contribute.

Additionally, people are more likely to develop BPD if a close family member has it. They also have a higher risk if they have poor communication or trouble within their families. Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse as a child or teen can also cause BPD to develop.

Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

Not everyone experiences BPD in the same way. Because of that, a combination of borderline personality disorder treatment options could be necessary. In some cases, doctors may recommend hospitalization.

Various Therapies

Experts use a range of therapies to help people with BPD, adapting the treatment according to each person’s needs. The goal is to focus on their ability to function and manage the emotions that cause them discomfort. They also learn to control their impulses and be aware of other people’s feelings.

General psychiatric management relies on making sense of emotionally difficult moments. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches residents skills to improve relationships, manage emotions, and tolerate distress. Mentalization-based therapy helps them identify their feelings and thoughts before they react. They learn to create alternate perspectives in tough circumstances.

Transference-focused psychotherapy helps people understand their emotions and poor social skills. Schema-focused therapy helps them pinpoint unmet needs that have triggered negative patterns in their lives. Although these patterns were once helpful for survival, they’ve become harmful in adulthood. During treatment, residents learn healthy, positive patterns to meet their needs.

Medications

Medicine may be part of borderline personality disorder treatment for some people. Antidepressants, tranquilizers, and mood stabilizers are some examples. The purpose of these meds is to reduce symptoms or control co-occurring illnesses. These usually include anxiety, aggression, depression, and impulsive actions.

Rose Hill Center Can Help Residents Gain Independence

If you or a loved one have BPD, the right treatment can make a huge difference. Rose Hill Center’s Residential Rehabilitation Services can set individuals on the path to lasting recovery. Along with borderline personality disorder treatment, we also offer:

Our range of mental health treatment includes behavioral and cognitive therapies. We also provide group therapy, mindfulness groups, sober activities, and yoga. Our animal farm and horticulture services help you develop coping and life skills. In addition, you may enjoy our gym and exercise rooms, library and computer lab, and art and music classes.

Don’t let BPD damage your relationships or cause stress in other areas of your life. Get the help that you deserve. Dial 866-367-0220 now so that Rose Hill Center can start helping you.