What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships. With borderline personality disorder (BPD), you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and yet you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. You may have inappropriate anger, impulsiveness, and frequent mood swings, pushing others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships.

This disorder usually begins by early adulthood and although it seems to be worse in young adulthood, it may gradually get better with age. If you have BPD, don't get discouraged. Many people with this disorder get better over time with treatment and can learn to live satisfying lives.

BPD signs and symptoms may include:

• An intense fear of abandonment, even going to extreme measures to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection
• A pattern of unstable intense relationships, such as idealizing someone one moment and then suddenly believing the person doesn't care enough or is cruel
• Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that include shifting goals and values, and seeing yourself as bad or as if you don't exist at all
• Periods of stress-related paranoia and loss of contact with reality, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours
• Impulsive and risky behavior, such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, spending sprees, binge eating or drug abuse, or sabotaging success by suddenly quitting a good job or ending a positive relationship
• Suicidal threats or behavior or self-injury, often in response to fear of separation or rejection
• Wide mood swings lasting from a few hours to a few days, which can include intense happiness, irritability, shame, or anxiety
• Ongoing feelings of emptiness
• Inappropriate, intense anger, such as frequently losing your temper, being sarcastic or bitter, or having physical fights

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder