Thread by @_thecalm1, Okay. So, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Let’s get into it. So first. [...]

Okay.

So, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Let’s get into it.

So first. Its important to distinguish between a mood disorder and a personality disorder. Mood disorders tend to be more episodic - so you experience depression or anxiety for a short period of time then it gets better and then you might experience them again after some time.

A personality disorder however is marked by a more pervasive (it’s NEVER ENDING) experience of these symptoms. So if you are consistently feeling anxious and depressed (among other things) with no breaks for a period longer than 6 months - that’s a red flag.

You *could* consider personality disorders a more chronic experience of mood disorders.

The distinction is important particularly because you cannot treat a personality disorder with medication - you can only treat to symptoms presented (the depression, anxiety) but underneath all of that there are the core issues that need to addressed.

Great video that goes in-depth explains the difference between personality disorders and other mental illnesses:

Great video about what constitutes a personality disorder vs adaptive personality:

Okay. So personality disorder - a pervasive experience of distressing symptoms that negatively impact stable and adaptive interactions between self and the world.
And you have different types grouped into clusters based on major traits observed in each

Okay so now we understand what a personality disorder is we can responsibly start looking into BPD

The DSM-V outlines nine criteria that are observed in the diagnosis of BPD:

You only need 5 to qualify for a full BPD diagnosis.

BUT if you identify with any of the criteria listed then you are described as having borderline traits...

So not the full disorder but just traits. Which is still significant because experiencing even one is extremely distressing and painful.

Life isn’t supposed be this hard

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So not the full disorder but just traits. Which is still significant because experiencing even one is extremely distressing and painful. Life isn’t supposed be this hard .

This article lays it out really simply. This kinda goes more in-depth with criteria and puts it into a narrative that’s easier to relate to.

Please read the full thing here https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/borderline-personality-disorder.htm

But major takeaways:

Important to note that one of the major drivers who develops BPD is attachment trauma. That is whether you were able to securely attach to your caregivers in infancy. Often those with BPD experienced disorganized attachment and this will pop up in adult relationships.

Similarly, if you experienced any type of emotional or physical neglect OR any type of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual) OR if you grow up in a stressful environment (parents always fighting or parents with substance abuse issues) OR experiencing bullying at a young age...

Any attachment style other than secure is indicative of attachment trauma.

Fun fact: narcissists tend to have insecure avoidant styles - which tend to attract persons with anxious and ambivalent and disorganized styles

Video:

That’s basically it for all the background info. I’ll probably just add more resources about what BPD is, what causes it, childhood trauma and how it impacts adult relationships.

And I’m open to talking to whoever wanna talk if any clarity is needed on anything

I ALMOST FORGOT!

It’s very rare that you’ll have pure (read: only) BPD. It’s very commonly comorbid with:
Bipolar disorder, major depression, panic and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders - and even other personality disorders

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