Signs and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

If you or a loved one may have borderline personality disorder (BPD), it's important to be informed about the illness and its symptoms. While some symptoms of BPD are not easily identified, others are associated with observable behaviors.

Symptoms of BPD include instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion, as well as a pattern of impulsive behaviors. People with BPD often first experience these symptoms in young adulthood and the symptoms tend to continue for many years. BPD may occur in both men and women. The following signs and symptoms may indicate a need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Fear of Abandonment

• Sensitivity to abandonment, real or perceived
• Engaging in behaviors to prevent abandonment, such as clinginess or seeking constant reassurance

Unstable Relationships

• Patterns of intense and unstable relationships characterized by idealization and devaluation
• Difficulty maintaining healthy, long-term relationships
• Frequent conflicts, ups and downs, mistrust, neediness, and frequent arguments in relationships

Impairment in Identity

• Unstable sense of self, often feeling unsure of who they are or what they believe in
• Difficulty recognizing or empathizing with the feelings of others
• Feeling non-existent or unsure about their identity or role

Impulsivity

• Engaging in risky, impulsive behaviors, such as:
  • Spending sprees
  • Promiscuous sex
  • Driving recklessly
  • Misusing drugs or alcohol
  • Binge eating
  • Breaking the law (e.g., shoplifting)

Self-Harm or Suicide Behaviors

• Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Emotional Instability

• Intense and frequent mood changes, often occurring in response to something happening in the environment
• Experiencing intense negative feelings in reaction to day-to-day situations
• Intense sadness or irritability that can last for hours

Feelings of Emptiness

• Chronic sense of emptiness, like there is nothing inside or that they are emotionally dead

Intense Anger and Aggressive Behavior

• Feeling anger that is stronger than the situation warrants
• Expressing anger openly, sometimes in the form of physical aggression

Stress-Related Dissociative States

• Experiencing depersonalization, derealization, analgesia, and emotional numbing

Considerations for Loved Ones

• Understand that behaviors like repeated phone calls or splitting are attempts to cope with a fear of abandonment
• Family therapy can be helpful in managing BPD's impact on relationships

Seeking Help

• If you think you may have BPD, see a licensed mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan
• Treatment can help individuals with BPD manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life