What is borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by emotional instability, tense interpersonal relationships, self-identity disorders, and impulsive behavior. Borderline personality disorder is mainly characterized by intense emotional fluctuations, fear of abandonment, self harming behavior, unstable interpersonal relationships, confusion of self-identity, impulsive behavior, feelings of emptiness, difficulty in controlling anger, and brief psychotic episodes. Borderline personality disorder may be related to genetic factors, childhood trauma, abnormal brain function, environmental factors, psychosocial factors, and other factors.

1. Emotional instability

Borderline personality disorder patients experience intense emotional fluctuations, which may quickly transition from extreme pleasure to extreme depression or anger. This emotional instability is often triggered by small events and has a short duration. Patients may exhibit strong emotions of anger, anxiety, or depression that are difficult to self regulate. Emotional instability may lead to tense interpersonal relationships, affecting daily life and work. Some patients may alleviate emotional pain through self harming behavior.

2. Interpersonal Relationship Tension

Patients with borderline personality disorder exhibit extreme interpersonal relationships, and their evaluations of others often quickly switch between idealization and belittling. The patient is extremely afraid of being abandoned and may resort to extreme measures to avoid the imagined separation. This interpersonal relationship pattern leads to social difficulties and difficulty maintaining intimate relationships. Patients may exhibit excessive dependence or sudden estrangement, causing distress to others.

3. Self Identity Disorder

Borderline personality disorder patients often have significant self-identity confusion, manifested as instability in self-image, goals, and values. Patients may frequently change their career goals, values, or social circles, lacking sustained and stable self-awareness. This identification disorder makes it difficult for patients to establish long-term life plans, which may manifest as frequent changes in life direction. Some patients may confirm their sense of self existence through extreme behavior.

4. Impulsive Behavior

Borderline personality disorder patients often exhibit various impulsive behaviors, including substance abuse, overeating, dangerous driving, overconsumption, or self harm behavior. These behaviors often occur during intense emotional fluctuations, making it difficult for patients to control their impulses. Impulsive behavior may lead to serious consequences, such as financial problems, legal disputes, or physical health damage. Some patients may repeatedly self harm to alleviate their inner pain.

5. Transient psychotic symptoms

In stressful situations, patients with borderline personality disorder may experience transient psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or dissociative experiences. These symptoms usually have a short duration and are associated with emotional fluctuations. Patients may experience a loss of sense of reality or personality disintegration, feeling that themselves or their environment are not real. These symptoms need to be differentiated from psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Patients with borderline personality disorder require long-term comprehensive treatment, including psychological therapy and necessary medication. Dialectical behavior therapy has been proven to be effective in improving symptoms. Patients should establish a regular daily routine, avoid alcohol and drug abuse, and learn emotional regulation skills. Family members should provide understanding and support, but appropriate boundaries should be set. Regular follow-up with psychiatrists and cooperation with treatment plans can help improve long-term prognosis. Maintain moderate exercise and social interaction to cultivate healthy ways of coping with stress.