While all people, especially teenagers, have many of the symptoms associated with BPD at some point in time, sufferers of this condition experience these feelings at a much more intense level than what is normal. They also do not have any relief from these feelings.



Here are some of the many symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder:

• Over-the-top efforts to keep loved ones from abandoning them.
• Relationships identified by extremes of idealization and loathing.
• Unstable self image or identity dilemmas.
• Impulsive self-damaging behavior such as substance abuse, binge eating, reckless driving, spending too much money or risky sexual behavior.
• Self mutilation and/or suicidal threats and attempts.
• Mood swings.
• Intense anger and difficulty controlling anger.

While BPD is fairly common in the world of mental health, it almost always coexists with another mental condition. These conditions can include: obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, eating disorders, multiple personality disorder, panic/anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and gender identity disorder.

The causes of borderline personality disorder can be varied and unique from case to case. The main causes are imbalances of brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine; physical and sexual abuse; and traumatic life events such as divorce or adolescent traumas.

Treatment for borderline personality disorder consists of a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The most commonly prescribed medications include antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Cognitive therapy has also been proven to help patients deal with anger and the urge to self mutilate. For most sufferers of BPD, a combination of both is needed to alleviate symptoms and suffering.