The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

A person with borderline personality disorder often experiences a repetitive pattern of disorganization and instability in self-image, mood, behavior and close personal relationships.  This can cause significant distress or impairment in friendships and work.  A person with this disorder can often be bright and intelligent and appear warm, friendly, and competent.  They sometimes can maintain this appearance for a number of years until their defense structure crumbles, usually around a stressful situation like the breakup of a romantic relationship or the death of a parent.

People with borderline personality disorder have relationships with others that are intense but stormy and unstable.  They have trouble maintaining intimate close connections with others.  There may be unpredictable and impulsive behavior which might include excessive spending, promiscuity, gambling, drug or alcohol abuse, shoplifting, overeating or physically self damaging actions.  The person may show inappropriate and intense anger or rage with temper tantrums, constant brooding and feeling that they are flawed, defective, damaged or bad in some way.  The depression which accompanies this disorder can cause much suffering and can lead to serious suicide attempts.

Borderline personality disorder is estimated to affect as many as 10 to 14% of the general population and is twice as common in women as men.  Treatment for borderline personality disorder is usually a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

If you would like more information please contact The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Michigan chapter at 800-331-4264, or visit them online at www.namimi.org.

Phone code: 1760