Thursday, 10 July 2025

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

 


Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others,

 causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes a pattern of unstable, intense relationships, distorted 

self-image, extreme emotions, and impulsiveness. People with BPD often experience:   

 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.   

 

        Intense fear of abandonment and frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined separation.

        A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.

        Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.

        Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).

        Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior.   

Personality Disorders Overview

 

 

Personality disorders are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations. They are grouped into three clusters (A, B, and C), but all involve challenges in how a person relates to others and perceives themselves.

Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Behavior

1.            Paranoid Personality Disorder

o       Marked by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.

o       Individuals often believe others are trying to harm or deceive them, even without evidence.

2.            Schizoid Personality Disorder

o       Characterized by emotional coldness and detachment from social relationships.

o       Preference for being alone; little desire for close connections.

3.            Schizotypal Personality Disorder

o       Involves unusual or eccentric beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors.

o       May include odd speech, magical thinking, paranoia, and strong social anxiety.


Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior

4.            Antisocial Personality Disorder

o       Characterized by disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and impulsive or manipulative behavior.

o       Often involves lying, aggression, and legal issues.

5.            Narcissistic Personality Disorder

o       Defined by a grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for excessive admiration.

o       Individuals show little empathy and may exploit others.

6.            Histrionic Personality Disorder

o       Marked by extreme emotionality and attention-seeking behavior.

o       Individuals may be dramatic, theatrical, and easily influenced by others.


Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behavior

7.            Avoidant Personality Disorder

o       Characterized by extreme shyness and fear of rejection or criticism.

o       Individuals often feel inadequate and avoid social interactions despite wanting close relationships.

8.            Dependent Personality Disorder

o       Involves a strong need to be taken care of and fear of separation.

o       Leads to clingy behavior and difficulty making independent decisions.

9.            Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

o       Focuses on orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

o       Different from OCD, as the behaviors are ego-syntonic (seen as correct by the individual), and involve inflexibility rather than specific obsessions or compulsions.

 

 

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