BPD is characterized by extremely impulsive behavior and constantly changing moods. Some people are more intense in their reactions than others. When someone changes from very happy to intensely sad from one second to the next, something could be wrong. As soon as that reaction manifests itself in extremes, it could well be a case of borderline personality disorder.
Characteristics
According to the DSM, someone has borderline personality disorder when they meet five or more of the following criteria.
- Extreme separation anxiety
- Extremely impulsive (binge eating, sex, wasting money, drinking and/or drugs)
- Extreme mood swings (usually short-lived)
- Feeling of emptiness
- Unstable relationships (excessive idealization and belittling)
- Identity disorder (unstable self-image or sense of self)
- Suicidal tendencies (threats or self-harm)
- Intense anger (fights, tantrums, or persistent anger)
- Dissociation and paranoid ideas (transient and stress-related)
General
Probably 1 to 2 percent of adults suffer from BPD, women twice as many as men. This disorder is found in up to 25 percent of problem young people, again more in girls than in boys. The manifestations are at their worst between the ages of 20 and 30, and approximately 8 to 10 percent of this group ultimately commit suicide.
There is no middle ground for a borderline person; it’s all or nothing. Something is wonderful or horrible. Someone with BPD is emotionally unstable, moods can sometimes turn into rage without any reason and manifest itself in violence or even self-harm. Their self-image is very distorted, they are very insecure and often think they are very ugly. They always struggle with an empty and lonely feeling. They are very impulsive and act before considering the consequences.
They are honest and usually express their actions honestly, there is a good chance that they will go to a counselor on their own because they can no longer find a solution themselves. After the age of 40, the disorder seems to decrease and emotions and emotional life become more stable. Although in the past it was thought that the disorder was incurable, about 40 percent appear to be cured on average 3 years after admission.
Relationships with other people
Borderlines do not do well alone and relationships with others are very important. They can easily make contact and, especially in the beginning, have a tendency to idealize the other. Their unpredictable behavior, strong emotions and sometimes even aggressive reactions make it very difficult to maintain relationships. Afraid of losing someone, they try to claim the other person and react very violently when this does not seem to work. Someone with BPD may put someone on a pedestal, then feel disappointed, let him or her down, and finally feel abandoned by the other person.
Relationship with a partner
It is not easy being in a relationship with a borderline person. They have high expectations but are unable to give themselves. They are often not clear to the other and alternate between affectionate and repulsive behavior with great regularity. Criticism can cause panic and panic can manifest itself in extreme alcohol and/or drug use or even manipulation with suicide. In the worst case, psychosis can even occur, but these are often short-lived periods.
SPS compared to other personality disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPS)
- BPD: idealizing people, asking for attention
- ASPS: amassing power and money
- Similarity: manipulative and violent behavior
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
- BPD: insecure, distorted self-image
- NPS: distorted, inflated but stable self-image
- Similarity: little to no empathy and empathy
Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPS)
- BPD: unpredictable, highly variable feelings
- STPS: bizarre and extreme ideas and beliefs
- Similarity: paranoid thoughts and illusions
Histrionic Personality Disorder (TPD)
- BPD: seeking support
- TPS: wanting to be admired
- Agreement: attention from others, claiming
Dependent Personality Disorder (APD)
- BPD: fits of rage, (self-)destructive behavior
- APS: self-effacing, subordinate behavior
- Similarity: fear of abandonment, not being able to be alone