Borderline Personality Disorder - BPD Treatment - BPD exhibit symptoms

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be complex and challenging, but at Trickett Psychotherapy & Counselling, we are equipped to help. Our clinic in Guelph offers specialized therapies for BPD, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Available both in-person and online, these therapies aim to mitigate the intense emotions and instability often experienced by those with BPD. 

Our licensed therapists and trained students work closely with clients to develop skills in areas such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, making our services both affordable and accessible. 

The benefits of seeking treatment for BPD at Trickett Psychotherapy include improved emotional stability, better relationships, and a greater sense of self-awareness and control. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, reach out to us to explore how our tailored therapy sessions can provide support and foster significant personal growth. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be very disrupting to the lives of those affected by it and their families and loved ones. It is characterized by its intense emotional disturbance, mood swings, and instability, distortion in cognition, maladaptive behaviors and communication issues. Noticeably, people struggling with BPD are people experiencing difficulties with managing their emotions. Out of the nine diagnostic criteria, five are required for official diagnosis. Thus, there are over 151 ways in which BPD manifests and they range from overregulating one’s emotions and displaying very limited range of emotion to underregulating the emotions and struggling to control them. People with BPD also often experience anxiety and depression, feelings of being misunderstood, fear of loneliness and abandonment, and suicidal thoughts.

Approximately 2 percent of the population experiencing the symptoms of BPD. At times, it can feel like there is no hope. However, proper diagnosis and treatment, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, can learn to decrease in the intensity of the symptoms to manageable levels so they no longer disrupt life and even begin building life worth living.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder include:

· Rapid and sometimes intense mood swings

· Intense, unstable, and stormy interpersonal relationships

· Unstable self image and sense of self

· Issues with actual or perceived abandonment

· Difficulties with impulsive behaviors, such as binge eating, substance abuse, sexual behaviours, speeding, shop lifting, or compulsive spending

· Self-harming behaviours

· Chronic sense of emptiness

· Difficulties controlling anger

· Dissociative or paranoid symptoms

Development of BPD

There are a few BPD theories. 

Genetics. BPD is approximately five times more common among people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder compared to those who do not.

Brain function. Neuroimaging has revealed that the emotional regulation system may be different in people struggling with BPD. The communication between executive functioning decision-making/judgment part and impulse control part of the brain with does not function optimally for people struggling with BPD.   genetic factors such as brain chemistry and the ability of the brain to regulate emotions has been marked as a cause for development of BPD.

Biosocial Theory. Both environment and biology play a part in its development. Environmental factors, such as a childhood fraught with instability and abuse or emotional trauma, can trigger symptoms of BPD. 

Treatment For BPD

Psychotherapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was created specifically for the treatment BPD. It provides clients with skill coaching to help them manage emotions and function optimally. 

Other therapies used in the treatment of BPD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices. 

Medication

Therapy For Caregivers And Family Members

Families and caregivers of people struggling with BPD may also benefit from support and treatment. Having a relative or loved one with the disorder can be stressful, and family members or caregivers may unintentionally act in ways that can worsen their loved one’s symptoms. Some BPD treatments include family members, caregivers, or loved ones in treatment sessions. 

Comorbidity

Many people struggling with BPD also struggle with co-occurring disorders. Successful BPD treatment also includes the treatment any co-existing disorders as well. The comorbid disorders include

· Substance Abuse

· Anxiety Disorders

· Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

· Bipolar Disorder

· Depression

· Eating Disorders (notably bulimia nervosa)

Prognosis

Often, people diagnosed with BPD exhibit symptoms at younger age that are sometimes dismissed. Later in life these symptoms may become severe and challenging and interfere with regular daily functioning. 

With a proper diagnosis and individualized, dedicated treatment, BPD becomes treatable disorder. The rate of symptom remission is high for those following their treatment plans years after the commencement of treatment.