Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complicated and frequently misdiagnosed mental health condition. BPD is marked by pervasive patterns of instability in mood, self-image, interpersonal relationships, and behavior. People with BPD may suffer from rapid mood swings, an inability to control their emotions, and a very strong fear of being left or isolated from those they care about. Understanding the signs and symptoms of BPD, how it is diagnosed, and the various treatment options may help you to better understand your daughter.

Features of Borderline Personality Disorder

Symptoms in people with BPD can have a wide range of severity and presentation. Some common signs and symptoms of BPD include:

  • Intense and unstable emotions: People with BPD usually have mood swings, which may include episodes of intense sadness, anger, anxiety, and irritability. Such emotional swings are rapid. They can be caused by the smallest thing or a feeling of the threat of abandonment.
  • Unstable relationships: People suffering from BPD will find it difficult to keep good relationships. They are often afraid of being left alone because they fail to trust and be intimate with others. These individuals may alter between idealization and devaluation of others, causing stormy interpersonal relationships.
  • Impulsive behaviors: Individuals with BPD may display impulsive and hazardous behaviors including substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, or self-harming behaviors. Most of these behaviors are caused by a strong need for distress release or validation from others.
  • Distorted self-image: A sense of identity confusion may get overwhelming for some, emphasizing a sense of inner emptiness, feelings of inferiority, and disturbances in various areas of life.
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness: People with BPD are likely to express the feeling of continuous emptiness and existential despair. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and alienation from oneself and others.

Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis

Due to the complexity and variability of the symptoms, diagnosing BPD is quite difficult. Mental health professionals commonly use a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of medical history, and an evaluation of symptoms and functional impairment.

The DSM-5 lists specific criteria for diagnosing BPD, which include an instability of mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships.

Options for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD is often difficult to treat. However, several evidence-based treatment options can help people manage symptoms. A variety of treatment approaches are commonly used for BPD.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The top therapy used for those with BPD is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a unique type of therapy that teaches people techniques for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. The DBT process assists people in learning better coping strategies and improving their ability to handle interpersonal conflicts.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Another effective treatment method is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment helps people identify negative thought patterns and harmful behaviors linked with BPD. Cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification through CBT can enable a person to come closer to their new norms and function on a better level.

Supplemental Medication

Though medication itself does not usually serve as the primary treatment for BPD, specific medications may be given to alleviate some symptoms that accompany this disorder. Medication can be used to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or impulsivity. In combination with psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications might be used.

Supportive Services

Apart from psychotherapy and medication, supportive services are also beneficial for those with BPD. These services include group therapy, family therapy, and peer support groups. The services offer possibilities for social association, affirmation, and skill development in a supportive and understanding atmosphere.

At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we are a top therapeutic facility that specializes in both the comprehensive evaluation and the treatment of teenage girls who are having difficulties with BPD and related issues. Our mental health team uses a multidisciplinary approach to meet the individual needs of the students, caring for them mentally, emotionally, and academically.

An Integrative Plan With Clearview

We provide a wide variety of therapeutic services aimed at ensuring that students learn to control their symptoms. Staff members help those with BPD gain the skills and resilience for their success in all areas of their lives. With our integrative treatment approach, we combine a variety of modalities to facilitate optimal wellness. These modalities include DBT, CBT, and experiential therapies that address the interplay of emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal factors related to BPD.

All in all, BPD is a unique mental health condition that calls for specialized attention and support. Using early intervention, comprehensive evaluations, and empirically supported therapies, our students with BPD can manage their symptoms and live satisfying and purposeful lives. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we provide hope and healing for adolescents with BPD, providing them with a way to overcome, bounce back, and move forward with life.

If you suspect that your daughter may be struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is important to act and provide her with the necessary support. Knowing the signs and symptoms of BPD is a prerequisite for obtaining help for her. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we provide targeted treatment plans that address the individualized needs of adolescent girls with BPD and related psychiatric conditions. Our team offers a variety of assessment and treatment services delivered by expert mental health professionals from various disciplines. These services include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and supportive services. Don’t wait any longer to seek help for your struggling daughter. Contact Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.