Profile of a Borderline Personality Disorder Patient

People who act out by throwing tantrums, getting drunk all the time or frequently talking of or attempting suicide may be having more than a bad day. They could be suffering from borderline personality disorder. This mental disorder most frequently occurs in young adults, although it can hit at any age. The disorder can be successfully treated once it's recognized.

Abandonment Issues

• Those with borderline personality disorder often have a great fear of being abandoned. They may exhibit this fear by becoming extremely codependent and overly attached to others. This fear is often irrational and will have no basis in reality.

Relationships

• Unstable personal relationships are another earmark for folks with borderline personality disorder. Perhaps ironically, they may inadvertently ruin the very relationships they fear they will lose. Those suffering from the disorder could love everyone one day and despise them the next. They may also become suspicious or paranoid that others are out to get them.

Self-harm

• Thoughts of or attempts at suicide are another common symptom of borderline personality disorder. Self-mutilation is another. Those suffering from borderline personality disorder will often cut or burn themselves, causing deep lesions and scars all over their bodies. They could also damage themselves through impulsive acts, such as binge eating, drug or alcohol use, spending sprees, speeding or reckless driving.

Mood Swings

• Intense mood swings and emotional outbursts are another sign of borderline personality disorder. Depression, anxiety, irritability and heightened anger are some of the common moods. Those suffering from borderline personality disorder may also start fights, have temper tantrums or burst into a rage. The mood swings generally last several hours and then subside, although some may go on for a day or more. Low self-esteem and feeling empty may also be persistent, underlying issues.

Treatment

• Like many mental disorders, borderline personality disorder can be effectively treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Both group and individual psychotherapy have been effective in a number of cases. A treatment specifically designed for borderline personality disorder, called dialectical behavior therapy, has also been effective.
  Medication can include antidepressants, mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs, depending on the specific symptoms of the individual.