Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition marked by unstable and shifting moods, impulsive behavior, and self-inflicted injuries or suicidal behavior. These reactions often occur in response to stressful situations. They typically exceed what is considered normal and cause the person significant distress. People with BPD usually have chaotic and unstable relationships with others as a result of their behavior. Real or imagined fears of abandonment often cause the severe reactions.
Psychiatric professionals identify about three times as many cases of BPD in women as in men. People with BPD often have a history of childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect. Features of BPD typically start during adolescence or young adulthood. But BPD is usually not diagnosed until adulthood. People with BPD often develop other psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol or substance abuse.
Borderline personality disorder may last a lifetime. For many people, it becomes less severe over time. Some individuals fully recover. Treatment of BPD involves helping the person to recognize emotional and behavioral difficulties and to learn ways to better regulate and manage them.
