What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder

The symptoms of borderline personality disorder mainly include emotional instability, tense interpersonal relationships, confused self-identity, impulsive behavior, and tendencies towards self harm or suicide. Borderline personality disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by unstable emotions, interpersonal relationships, and self-image, often accompanied by obvious impulsive behavior.

1. Emotional instability

Borderline personality disorder patients experience intense emotional fluctuations, which may quickly transition from extreme pleasure to extreme anger or depression. This emotional change often lacks obvious external triggers and has a short duration. Patients may experience strong emotional reactions due to minor issues, making it difficult for them to regulate themselves. Emotional outbursts are often accompanied by feelings of self blame or shame, but they are still uncontrollable next time. Long term emotional instability may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or depression.

2. Interpersonal relationship tension

Patients are extremely sensitive to others' evaluations and are prone to extreme cognition of either black or white. May idealize others and then suddenly belittle them, leading to frequent breakdowns in intimate relationships. The anxiety of being abandoned often manifests as excessive dependence or preemptive termination of relationships. Some patients may resort to extreme behaviors to retain relationships, such as threatening suicide. This model makes it difficult for patients to establish a stable interpersonal support system.

3. Confusion of self-identity

Borderline personality disorder patients often lack stable self-awareness, manifested by frequent changes in goals, values, and career choices. May suddenly change dressing style, social circle, or life plan. Blurred self-image makes patients susceptible to being influenced by others, leading to identity crisis. Some patients may verify their sense of existence through extreme behaviors such as substance abuse or dangerous driving.

4. Impulsive behavior

Patients often exhibit reckless impulsive behavior, including overconsumption, overeating, dangerous driving, substance abuse, etc. These behaviors often occur during intense emotional fluctuations and are used to alleviate inner pain. Impulsive behavior may cause legal, financial, or health issues, but patients often find it difficult to learn from them. Some patients may periodically repeat similar behavioral patterns.

5. Self harm or suicidal tendencies

Self harm behavior is more common in borderline personality disorders, including non suicidal self injuries such as cuts and burns. Patients may transfer psychological pain through physical pain or express indescribable emotions through this. Suicide threats or attempts are also common and need to be distinguished from genuine suicidal intentions. This type of behavior is often performative, but there is still a risk of accidental death that requires professional intervention. Patients with borderline personality disorder require long-term psychological therapy combined with medication assistance, and dialectical behavioral therapy has been proven to be significantly effective in improving symptoms. Establishing a regular schedule, cultivating mindfulness habits, and developing healthy hobbies can help stabilize emotions. Patients should avoid substances such as alcohol that may exacerbate emotional fluctuations, and family members should learn non judgmental communication skills. Early systemic treatment can significantly improve prognosis, and it is recommended to develop personalized treatment plans under the guidance of professional psychiatrists.