Warning Signs And Complications Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is a severe mental illness with a significant impact on how patients view themselves and those around them. This disorder comes with patterns of unstable relationships, extreme emotions, impulsive behaviors, and a distorted sense of self. Patients with borderline personality disorder tend to have intense fears of instability and abandonment. They may have a hard time with solitude. At the same time, they may experience inappropriate anger and emotions toward those around them. 

Borderline personality disorder treatment is necessary for many patients to have healthy and satisfying lives. A variety of psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder is often used. Although there is no cure for borderline personality disorder, medications such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants are common strategies to manage it.

Extreme Mood Swings

One of borderline personality disorder's most defining characteristics is extreme mood swings. Patients with this condition may sometimes be mistakenly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or another mood disorder. However, the emotions in bipolar disorder tend to present differently. Bipolar disorder patients experience highs and lows over long periods. Even rapid-cycling bipolar involves mood changes over weeks, rather than hours.

Meanwhile, individuals with borderline personality disorder may swing wildly from one mood to another during one conversation. They may lash out with seemingly-unprovoked anger, then be giddy within the hour, and then have a severe downturn in emotions again. Borderline personality disorder can cause patients to experience their emotions as extreme highs and lows. Environmental triggers that would usually cause stress instead cause extreme depression or upset. Conflict results in uncontrollable rage and even positive emotions can be heightened to impulsive behavior.

Uncover more warning signs of borderline personality disorder now.