Borderline Mental Disorder

Borderline personality disorder, so named because its symptoms include aspects of both psychotic and personality disorders, is not as well known as conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but is equally prevalent. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) calls it "a disorder of emotional dysregulation."

Prevalence

Borderline personality disorder occurs in 1 pecent to 2 percent of the population, according to NAMI. Seventy-five percent of those with the diagnosis are women.

Causes

Neurological structure and chemistry appear to predispose a person to borderline personality disorder, according to research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health. Childhood sexual abuse is common in the majority of patients. NIMH research suggests that both biological and environmental factors might predispose a person to this disorder.

Co-existing Conditions

People with borderline personality disorder often suffer from co-existing conditions, including depression, other personality disorders and substance abuse.

Progression

Symptoms are most pronounced in early adulthood and decrease with age. By mid-life, most people with borderline mental disorder become more stable and are able to sustain better relationships and professional performance.

Treatment

Medication and therapy are highly effective in treating borderline personality disorder. Medication is often needed to control symptoms before psychotherapy can proceed.

References

• Borderline Personality Disorder, National Institute of Mental Health
• Borderline Personality Disorder, National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Borderline Personality Disorder, Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions About Borderline Personality Disorder, John M. Grohol, Psy.D.