Borderline personality disorder

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Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that causes emotional instability, relationship problems, a low sense of self-worth, and fear of abandonment. Other common symptoms include problems managing anger and recurring self-destructive or suicidal behaviors.

The negative or destructive behaviors of borderline personality disorder are intense. These behaviors occur over a long period of time, often in combination with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. People with this disorder often have problems with substance abuse, gambling, or eating disorders.

Although there is no cure for borderline personality disorder, symptoms are often treated with counseling and medicines such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Most people who are treated for borderline personality disorder do get better over time. However, treatment can be difficult, and recovery can take years.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	March 26, 2007

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Last updated:	March 26, 2007
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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