Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mood disorder that affects as many as 3 million people in the United States alone. Characterized by a fear of abandonment and being alone, people with BPD also exhibit inappropriate behavior, mood swings, and the inability to regulate emotions.
Most people with BPD begin to show symptoms in their late teenage years, with many of the symptoms abating as they get older.
Common symptoms include:
Women are more often diagnosed with BPD than men and some patients are mistakenly diagnosed with PTSD or depression. BPD can occur simultaneously with other disorders, such as addiction, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Treatment options include medication and intense therapy. Hospitalization may be briefly required if the patient attempts suicide or self-harms.
At Cottonwood, our trained therapists and medical staff work closely with a variety of options, including recreational therapy, medication, and CBT, to help clients with BPD. Prior to discharge, an ongoing treatment plan is created to help the patient continue developing coping methods and positive self-esteem.
