What to do with borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder can be treated through psychological therapy, medication, social support, self-regulation, crisis intervention, and other methods. Borderline personality disorder is usually caused by genetic factors, childhood trauma, neurobiological abnormalities, family environment, social and psychological stress, and other reasons.

1. Psychotherapy

Dialectical behavior therapy is the core treatment method for borderline personality disorder, which helps patients regulate emotions and improve interpersonal relationships through individual therapy and group skill training. Cognitive based therapy can enhance patients' ability to understand their own and others' psychological states. Empathy focused therapy works on the relationship pattern between patients and therapists. Psychological therapy requires long-term persistence and usually takes several months to years to show results. During the treatment process, there may be fluctuations in the therapeutic relationship, which requires patient guidance from professional therapists.

2. Drug therapy

Drug therapy cannot cure borderline personality disorder, but can alleviate specific symptoms. Olanzapine tablets can improve impulsive aggressive behavior, fluoxetine capsules can help regulate depressive emotions, and lamotrigine tablets are effective in treating emotional instability. Lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets may reduce self harm behavior, while quetiapine tablets can improve sleep and anxiety symptoms. All medications should be used under the guidance of a psychiatrist to avoid self adjustment of dosage or sudden discontinuation. Drug therapy is usually used as an auxiliary means of psychotherapy and cannot replace psychological intervention.

3. Social Support

Establishing a stable social support network is crucial for patients with borderline personality disorder. Family members need to receive relevant education and learn non judgmental communication skills. Joining patient support groups can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide emotional support. Vocational rehabilitation training helps to restore social function. Community mental health services can provide ongoing care. Supporting system construction requires multi-party collaboration to avoid excessive reliance on a specific supporter.

4. Self regulation

Mindfulness exercises can help patients perceive current experiences without immediately reacting. Emotional diaries help identify emotional triggers and patterns. Regular sleep and moderate exercise can stabilize physiological rhythms. Art expression therapy such as painting and music can provide a safe channel for emotional release. Progressive muscle relaxation training can alleviate tension and anxiety. Self regulatory skills require repeated practice and gradual mastery under the guidance of professionals.

5. Crisis Intervention

Developing a detailed crisis response plan can prevent self harm and suicide behavior. Removing hazardous materials from the environment can reduce impulse risk. In emergency situations, you can contact the psychological crisis hotline or go to the hospital emergency department. Short term hospitalization is suitable for severe self injury or psychotic symptoms. After a crisis, it is necessary to promptly resume routine treatment and analyze the triggering factors. Crisis intervention requires the participation of medical teams, family members, and patients to establish a multi-level protection system. Patients with borderline personality disorder need to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue. Pay attention to a balanced diet and limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Cultivating soothing hobbies such as painting and gardening can help with emotional management. Regular moderate aerobic exercise such as walking and swimming can improve emotional stability. Establish a fixed daily activity schedule to avoid drastic changes in the pace of life. Family members should learn nonviolent communication skills, maintain patience and consistent responses, and avoid excessive involvement or alienation. Patients can carry a card with emergency contact information and coping strategies written on it with them for reference during emotional fluctuations. Regular follow-up evaluations should be conducted during long-term treatment, and treatment plans should be adjusted based on changes in symptoms.