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Borderline Personality: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Introduction to BPD
What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)? What are the symptoms of BPD? How is BPD treated? Learn more about the basics of borderline personality disorder.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy that is effective in reducing many of the symptoms of BPD. Learn more about what to expect in DBT and how to find a DBT provider.
BPD Treatment
Want to learn more about borderline personality disorder treatment? This article covers all the available treatments for borderline personality disorder, including medications, psychotherapy, and intensive treatment programs. Learn more about the various treatments for BPD.
BPD Symptoms
Borderline personality disorder symptoms include instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion, as well as impulsive behaviors. Learn more about the symptoms of BPD.
BPD Causes
Learn more about borderline personality disorder causes. While the exact causes of borderline personality disorder are not yet known, research has determined some of the environmental, biological, and genetic factors that are strongly linked to the development of BPD.
BPD Medications
Borderline personality disorder medications have been shown to reduce certain symptoms. Learn more about medications that are commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder.
Coping Skills for BPD
What are coping skills, why are they important, and how can you use healthier ways of coping? Learn new coping skills to help you manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD).
BPD Diagnosis
Need to understand the basics of borderline personality disorder diagnosis? Learn more about the diagnosis of BPD, the criteria used to determine a diagnosis, and the assessment process.
10 Coping Skills for BPD
Want to change the way you respond to intense emotions? For some ideas, use this list of healthy coping skills to get started.
Bipolar and Borderline
Are bipolar and borderline personality disorder (BPD) related? Learn more about the similarities and differences between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
Is There a Borderline Test?
Looking for a borderline personality test? Is there a test for borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Learn more about the diagnosis of BPD and borderline personality tests.
What is Splitting?
What is splitting? Learn more about splitting in borderline personality disorder (BPD).
BPD Teens
Get the facts about borderline personality adolescents. How is borderline personality in children? What are the symptoms? How can you find help for a borderline personality adolescent?
Signs of BPD
Here are some signs that may indicate your friend or loved one has borderline personality disorder (BPD).
BPD Myths
There are a number of very widely circulated myths about borderline personality disorder. Read more about borderline personality myths — what is true and what is myth?
Self-Help for BPD
While borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious condition that requires treatment by qualified mental health professionals, there are also sources of self-help for people with BPD. Learn more about these self-help strategies that can be used in conjunction with more formal treatment.
Living with BPD
Living with borderline personality disorder is not easy. The symptoms of BPD can affect every part of your life, making relationships, work, and health very difficult to maintain. However, despite the suffering that BPD can cause, many people learn ways to cope the symptoms and lead normal, fulfilling lives.
A BPD Case Example
Read a description of a borderline personality case. A case example of borderline personality disorder.
Impulsivity and BPD
Are you someone who tends to take action without thinking through the consequences? Do hasty decisions often get you into trouble? Do you often act based on your feelings in the moment rather than on a long-term plan? You may be struggling with impulsive behavior, one of the symptoms of BPD.
Borderline Anger
Anger is a key feature of borderline personality disorder. Learn more about borderline anger and how to get help.
Can BPs Have Normal Life
Is it possible to live a normal life with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Serotonin
Serotonin meaning and definition. How does it figure into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Dissociation
What is dissociation? Is dissociation a disorder? How is dissociation treated? Learn more about dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Paranoid Ideation
A definition of paranoid ideation or paranoia.
BPD Romantic Relationships
BPD relationships are often chaotic, intense, and conflict-laden. This can be especially true for romantic BPD relationships. Many people have been hurt in their romantic relationships with borderline personality partners, but others have found a way to make the relationships work.
Suppressing Emotions
Suppressing emotions does not work, and it may even end up causing you to feel worse in the long run. Learn more about why suppressing emotions can get you in trouble.
Mindfulness Meditation for BPD
Mindfulness meditation can help people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) reduce emotion dysregulation. Learn more about how to practice mindfulness meditation to reduce the symptoms of BPD.
How to Find a Therapist
Learn how to find a therapist, including factors you should consider in your search, where to look to find a therapist in your area, and how to interview therapists.
Dissociative Identity
Dissociative identity disorder is a rare and controversial psychiatric disorder. Learn the facts about dissociative identity disorder.
Dichotomous Thinking
What is dichotomous thinking? Learn the definition of dichotomous thinking.
Borderline Relationships
Borderline relationships are chaotic; they can feel like a roller coaster of emotion and conflict. Learning to manage these relationships is very difficult, but it is possible for borderline relationships to succeed.
Alcoholism and BPD
Learn more about the prevalence of alcoholism in borderline personality disorder (BPD), the reasons that alcoholism and BPD occur together so often, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one with alcoholism and BPD.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide group psychotherapy services.
Feeling Statements
Feeling statements, otherwise known as "I Statements", are powerful communication tools. Know what they are and how to use them effectively.
Communication Skills
We communicate constantly, and tend to assume that what we are communicating is what we mean to communicate. However, often this is not the case. Learn some skills to avoid the misunderstandings, and learn how to hear what is being said and heard.
Abandonment Sensitivity
A definition of abandonment sensitivity.
BPD Family
What effects do symptoms of borderline personality disorder have on the family? Learn more about life in the BPD family.
BPD and Axis II
Why have I heard BPD called an "Axis II" disorder? What does "Axis II" mean?
Types of Therapists
Find a therapist with the right credentials and expertise. Learn about the different types of therapists and other mental health providers, and the training and expertise of each type of therapist.
Child Abuse and BPD
Does child abuse cause borderline personality disorder? Research has shown a link between child maltreatment and BPD, but the causes of BPD are not fully understood.
Divorcing a BP
Living in a relationship with someone who has borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be extremely difficult and conflict-laden. The relationship can take a toll on all those involved, and unfortunately, things can drastically escalate during a divorce. Anger, hostility, accusations, promises, and threats can enter every conversation. What should a person do?
Suicide and BPD
Suicidality is an unfortunately common occurrence in borderline personality disorder. Learn more about the link between suicide and BPD, and what you can do to keep yourself or your loved one safe.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of several models of treatment. Many clinicians say they practice CBT, but what does that mean? Who can benefit from this therapy?
BPD Symptoms in Teens
What are borderline personality symptoms in teens? Are borderline personality symptoms different in teens and adults?
Borderline Friend
If you have a friend with borderline personality disorder, you may feel confused about how you can help them. Learn more about how you can be a good friend to someone with borderline personality while also maintaining your own health.
Diagnosing Borderline Teens
Learn more about diagnosing borderline adolescents, including the DSM-IV criteria for borderline personality disorder in adolescents and common misdiagnoses.
Prognosis for BPD Teenagers
What is the prognosis for borderline personality in teenagers? Are teenagers with borderline personality likely to get better? Learn more about the recovery rates for borderline personality in teenagers.
Emotional Instability in BPD
People with borderline personality disorder experience more than just your everyday emotional ups and downs. Learn more about emotional instability in borderline personality disorder.
What Is Empathy?
What is empathy? Learn the definition of empathy.
Self Mutilation
What is self mutilation and why does it occur? Learn more about self mutilation, why it happens, and how self mutilation is treated.
Mentalization Based Therapy
Mentalization based therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) may be effective in reducing symptoms and improving functioning in patients with BPD. Learn more about this treatment approach and the latest research supporting this approach.
Schema Focused Therapy
Schema focused therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of BPD. Learn more about this treatment approach and the latest research support.
Transference Focused Therapy
Transference focused therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is another form of psychotherapy that has recently been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of BPD. Learn more about this treatment approach.
Invalidation and BPD
When discussing the causes of borderline personality disorder (BPD) the term “invalidating environment” is often mentioned. It is important to know what this terms means.
Safety Plan for BPD
A safety plan is critical if you are have experienced a mental health emergency in the past (e.g., a suicide attempt), or are at risk of one in the future. Learn how to develop a comprehensive safety plan to reduce your risk.
SET Communication Tool
Support, empathy, truth (SET) is a communication tool specifically designed for those with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
CBT versus DBT?
Confused about the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder?
Definition of Schizophrenia
What is schizophrenia? Learn more about the symptoms of schizophrenia.
BPD Statistics
Borderline personality disorder is one of the most common personality disorders. How common is it? Who gets it? What are the risk factors?
Coping - In-Laws
Relationships with your partner's family can be difficult at times even in the best circumstances. Borderline personality disorder can make this even more difficult. Understanding how to cope is an important step to maintaining these relationships.
Schema Therapy For BPD
Schema Therapy seems to be effective in the treatment of borderline personality therapy (BPD). Schema therapy is based on the premise that maladaptive beliefs, or schemas, are developed early in life and played out over and over.
What is Aggression?
What is aggression? Learn the definition of aggression.
Dopamine
What is dopamine? A definition of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
What is Assertiveness?
What is assertiveness? Learn the definition of assertiveness.
Stop Walking on Eggshells
A book written for the family and friends of those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The goal is to help people learn about the disorder, improve their ability to cope with it, and take care of themselves.
BPD Assessment
What should you expect from the borderline personality disorder assessment process? Learn about each step of the process, from finding a provider to getting a diagnosis.
BPD and Lying
Is it true that borderline personality is associated with lying? If a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) lies, is that just a symptom of the disorder? Learn more about the link between BPD and lying.
BPD and Jobs
I have borderline personality disorder; should this affect my job choices? BPD can impact your identity and relationships, but how does this impact job or career choices?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A definition of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Genetic Causes of BPD
Is borderline personality disorder (BPD) caused by genetics or environment? Learn more about the most recent research on genetics and BPD.
Emotion Regulation Skills
Emotion regulation skills training can help you to reduce emotional ups and downs and improve your overall psychological health. Learn more about how emotion regulation skills training can help you, and get tips of skills training exercises to try.
Accepting Emotions
Practicing accepting emotions can lead to better emotional health. Learn more about the benefits of accepting emotions.
Abandonment and BPD
People with BPD often have an intense fear of abandonment. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms often create a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing people with BPD to actually be abandoned by others.
Eating Disorders and BPD
Eating disorders and borderline personality disorder frequently occur together. Learn more about the relationship between eating disorders and borderline personality.
Will I Have BPD Forever?
I have been diagnosed with BPD. Does this mean I will have it for the rest of my life? What is the prognosis for borderline personality?
What Should I Do in a Crisis?
What should you do if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else? This article will tell you exactly how to handle a BPD crisis.
Unstable Relationships
Intense/unstable relationships are a common issue in borderline personality disorder (BPD), and can be a problem at school or work. Learn what this means and what this looks like.
Reduce Emotional Instability
If you experience a lot of emotional ups and downs, you may be able to make some simple changes to your lifestyle that will help you get off the roller coaster. Learn skills to reduce your emotional instability and improve your psychological health.
DSM
A definition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM.
BPD Support
Borderline personality disorder support can be hard to find. Learn more about how to find BPD support.
Divorce My BPD Spouse?
Should you divorce your BPD spouse? There is no easy answer, but here are some things to consider.
Splitting the Family
What is splitting and what should you do when a loved one or friend with borderline personality disorder is splitting? Learn more about splitting and how to manage this behavior
BPD Marriage
Many different kinds of close relationships are affected by borderline personality disorder (BPD), but perhaps none more than the borderline personality marriage. Marriages in which either one or both partner has BPD can be very tumultuous and conflict-laden. But these marriages can also be successful with work.
IHY-DLM, a Review
A must read for all loved ones of those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Helping everyone understand BPD, and giving real suggestions to facilitate communication.
Predicting BPD Prognosis
Is there any way to predict borderline personality disorder prognosis? Who will recover from borderline personality disorder, and who will continue to have symptoms? Learn more about predictors of borderline personality disorder prognosis.
Is There a Cure for BPD?
Is there a cure for borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Does BPD respond to treatment? Find out about the latest research on treatment and BPD.
Delusions
What are delusions? Learn the definition of delusions.
Grounding Exercises
Grounding exercises are helpful for dealing with dissociation, panic, impulsive urges, and intense emotional distress. Learn more about grounding exercises and how they can help you.
Why is it Called "Borderline?"
What does the term "borderline" in Borderline Personality Disorder mean?
Who Am I?
Do you ever find yourself asking, who am I? What do I believe in? What is my place in this world? If you do, you are not alone. Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) struggle with identity issues – it is one of the core symptoms of the disorder.
Self-Harm
A definition of self-harm in BPD.
Who Will Diagnose My Partner
I think my wife has borderline personality disorder, but neither she nor her therapist will take my thoughts seriously. What can I do?
Emotion Regulation
What is emotion regulation? A definition of emotion regulation.
Residential Treatment
An higher level of care. Residential Treatment Programs are good for those who require structured long term programming in a inclusive setting.
Mindful Breathing
A simple mindfulness exercise: mindful breathing
Temperament
Temperament--What is it? How does it influence a person?
Self-Esteem and BPD
Self-esteem refers to how you feel about yourself. Those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often struggle with poor self-esteem. What does this elusive term mean? Why is self-esteem important? How can you improve your self-esteem?
Anger As Communication
Communicating feelings can be one of the most difficult things a person does. For the BP, it can seem impossible. Anger may be one of the only ways to communicate difficult feelings.
Mood Disorders
Your moody, or people keep telling you that you are. Is it Bipolar, or something else? You feel so sad, and seem to be so irritable. Is more than just being down? Defining the cause of your mood disruptions will allow you to better address them and move forward.
Psychiatric Hospitals and BPD
Find out what to expect if you are treated at a psychiatric hospital for borderline personality disorder.
BPD Communication Problems
Why am I always in trouble? Why doesn't he understand how I feel? BPD can significantly impact communication in a relationship. Understanding the dynamic is an important step to addressing the problem.
Mindful Eating
Try this exercise to cultivate mindful eating.
Coping - Rejection On the Job
Feelings of rejection can happen anywhere and with just about anyone, work is no exception. Often those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a heightened rejection sensitivity, which can result in frequent overwhelming feelings of rejection even on the job.
Temperament 101
Temperament refers to inborn personality traits, and plays a role in the development of personality disorder. It is important to have a general understanding of temperament whether trying to understand yourself, someone you care about, or the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Partial Hospitalization
An intermediate level of care. Partial Hospitalization Programs are good for those whoe require structured programming during the day, but do not require overnight care.
BPD - Work Example
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can impact relationships, and thus success, at work. There are many possible scenarios, this is an example of one
Antisocial Personality
What is antisocial personality disorder? Learn more about the definition of antisocial personality disorder.
Taking A Break
Communicating during times of intense feelings can be difficult. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can result in extremely intense feelings and a need to express them. Sometimes taking a break from the conflict is the first step.
How SSRIs Work
SSRIs are commonly prescribed to those with Borderline Personality Disorder. Why they are prescribed and how they work.
Emotional Acceptance Exercise
Practicing emotional acceptance can lead to greater emotional health and less emotional ups and downs. Learn more about how to practice emotional acceptance.
Personality Disorder
What is a personality disorder? How is a personality disorder diagnosed? Learn more about the criteria for personality disorders.
Mindful Driving
Mindfulness exercises can help to reduce problems related to automatic or impulsive behaviors. Try this mindfulness exercise: mindful driving.
Skills Training Manual for BPD
The Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D, is a companion to the full treatment manual for DBT. The manual is incredibly popular, and is on the bookshelf of many DBT providers and clients. But, is it worth the purchase?
Distress Tolerance Skills
Distress tolerance skills training is a core feature of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD). The distress tolerance skills are meant to reduce impulsive behavior, which can often result from an inability to tolerate strong emotions.
Managing Money & BPD
Money management is hard for many people, and those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often face additional financial challenges. Learning how to budget can help.
BPD and Violence
Is there a link between borderline personality and violence? Learn more about whether borderline personality disorder is associated with violence, and how to get help.
Suicidal Ideation (SI)
Suicidal Ideation (SI) meaning and definition. How does it figure into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Will My Children Get BPD?
If you have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, you may wonder what impact the condition will have on your children. Are they at risk to develop BPD too? Learn more about the impact of BPD on your children and steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that they will also have BPD.
Neurotransmitter
What is a neurotransmitter? Learn the definition and meaning of neurotransmitter.
Hippocampus
Hippocampus meaning and definition. How does it figure into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Mania
A definition of mania.
Inpatient Treatment for BPD
Learn more about what to expect during an inpatient treatment for a mental health condition.
Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between a mental health therapist (e.g., a psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health counselor, social worker) and a client. There is evidence that a strong therapeutic alliance predicts better outcomes in therapy. A strong therapeutic alliance is evident when the client feels comfortable with the therapist, has a sense of common goals or purpose with the therapist, and feels a sense of safety and trust in the therapy process
Definition of Comorbidity
What is comorbidity? Learn the definition of comorbidity.
Criteria for Therapists
It is important to make an educated decision when choosing a therapist. Having guidelines will help you know what you should be looking for. How will I know the therapist is qualified? Should he really be silent for the most part? Knowing what questions to ask a potential therapist will help you make the best decision for you.
Understanding the BP Mother
A book for those whose mothers have borderline personality disorder, it aims to provide insight and guidance. We are affected by our mothers throughout our lives, and children of "borderline mothers" may find that they are still negatively impacted by their mothers' disorder throughout their adulthood.
Did I just develop BPD?
Recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD)? How did you develop it? Is it new, or something that I have had all along? Why am I just being diagnosed now?
Expressive Writing
Expressive writing has been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and psychological health in individuals suffering from a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, depression, psychological trauma, cancer, and asthma. It’s no wonder that people have used expressive writing for centuries as a means of personal discovery, catharsis, and meaning-making. If you’ve never tried expressive writing, this is another skill to add to your coping skills toolbox.
BPD and Physical Health
Unfortunately, BPD is associated with some serious physical health conditions, including chronic pain disorders, arthritis, obesity, and diabetes. BPD is also associated with less healthy lifestyle choices. Learn more about the relationship between BPD and physical health, and what you can do to improve your health now.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy meaning and definition. How does it figure into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Stigma and BPD
Learn more about stigma and borderline personality disorder. Why are people with borderline personality disorder stigmatized? How does stigma affect people with BPD? And what can be done to stop stigma?
Quit Therapy
It is not uncommon for people who are getting treatment for a psychiatric disorder to feel like they want to quit therapy. Before you make a decision about dropping out of therapy, however, here are some things to consider.
BPD Relapse During Therapy
You have been working hard in therapy, and seem to be making some progress. But it seems that just when things start to be looking up, you relapse. Does all the progress get erased? Why do the relapses occur? Will you ever be non-borderline?
Boundaries
What are boundaries? Learn about the definition of boundaries and how they can be problematic in borderline personality disorder.
PTSD
What is posttraumatic stress disorder? Learn the definition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Suicide Risk
Is there a way to predict who is at greatest risk for attempting or committing suicide? This article covers two different kinds of suicide risk factors: distal and proximal risk factors.
Books About BPD
Interested in learning more about BPD? Here are some books about borderline personality disorder (BPD) to get you started.
Self Care for BPD
Good self-care is critical to physical and mental health. Learn more about developing good self care, including diet, sleep, medication, and exercise habits.
Pros and Cons Tool
The pros and cons tool can help you evaluate any decision- whether or not to buy a house, drop out of school, or change jobs. This tool can help you look at a decision from all angles and choose the most effective course.
Self-Injury
It may be referred to as cutting, self-mutilation, self-injury, or amny other things, but it happens, often in secret. Find out what it is, and what it means.
Narcissistic Personality
What is narcissistic personality disorder? Learn the definition and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.
Psychiatric Disorder
What is a psychiatric disorder? A psychiatric disorder is any pattern of psychological or behavioral symptoms that causes an individual significant distress, impairs their ability to function in life, and/or significantly increases their risk of death, pain, disability, or loss of freedom.
BPD Family Resources
Looking for borderline personality family resources? Find resources for the BPD family here, including books, websites, courses, and treatment options.
Psychoeducation
A definition of psychoeducation in borderline personality disorder.
Should I Tell Others?
Should you tell others about your BPD diagnosis? Or is it best to keep that information confidential? What is the best way to figure out if it is a good idea to tell others?
Finding Meaning
This is one exercise that is designed to help you identify what is meaningful to you. Of course, finding meaning is not an easy process, and no one exercise will get you there; finding meaning takes work and is best accomplished with the help of a good therapist. In fact, this may be an exercise that you want to work on with your therapist.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
What is oppositional defiant disorder? What are the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder?
Beginner's Mind
Try this exercise to practice beginner's mind in your mindfulness practice.
Can BPD Be Prevented?
Is it possible to prevent borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Learn more about the causes of BPD and whether BPD can be prevented.
BPD Example - College
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) affects every aspect of a persons life, including school success. Often the first symptoms of BPD become apparent during college years. This is an example of how BPD symptoms can manifest during school years.
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