Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, mental disorder. The Merck Manual explains that BPD is “characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations, and impulsivity.” Emotional dysregulation is a term used within the mental health field to denote irrational, poorly modulated emotional responses, which is a core feature of borderline personality disorder. The symptoms that manifest because of BPD often mimic those of other mental health disorders (e.g., histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar personality disorder, etc.), making it one of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions. Still, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) estimates that 1.4% of the adult population in America experience BPD. Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that requires long-term treatment.
Formal Treatment
Every individual is unique, and each will require a customized treatment plan that is directly informed by his or her nuanced mental health needs. These plans are typically comprised of a combination of different treatment approaches, and often include long-term participation in psychodynamic models of psychotherapy such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to treat individuals with BPD. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that places greater emphasis on the psychosocial aspect of treatment. DBT focuses on how one’s thoughts and beliefs can lead to actions and behaviors. This skills-based approach teaches how to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships through group and individual therapy sessions.
- Schema-focused therapy incorporates aspects of CBT and psychoanalytic theories. It helps to identify unmet needs that have led to unhealthy ways of thinking about the world. Conducted in an individual setting or group setting, schema-focused therapy challenges maladaptive beliefs and behaviors and focuses on promoting positive life patterns.
- Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) emphasizes thinking before reacting. This is accomplished through helping an individual identify his or her own thoughts and feelings and creating an alternate perspective on the situation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve a medication explicitly designed to treat borderline personality disorder. There are, however, certain medications that can help to alleviate and/ or reduce some of the symptoms arising from BPD or co-occurring disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.). Common examples of types of medication prescribed as a component of one’s BPD treatment plan include:
- Antidepressants: Celexa (citalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Anticonvulsants/ mood stabilizers: Topamax (topiramate), Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Anti-anxiety medications/ anxiolytics: Lexapro (escitalopram), Zoloft (sertraline)
- Antipsychotics: Rexulti (brexpiprazole)
The most effective way to deal with BPD is through learning to accept the condition, understanding the implications of treatment, and adhere to one’s recovery plan.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
