Borderline disorder, also called borderline personality disorder, is a psychiatric illness complex, the manifestations of which are very variable from one person to another (in this case we speak of significant polymorphism).

Usually, people with this mental illness have a affective and emotional instability important. They find it difficult to manage their emotions. They can get angry easily, unpredictably, and behave impulsively. Mood swings or feelings of emptiness are common.

Hyperemotional, these people are often in theexcess. They generally have a very bad image of themselves. Often relational unstable, they can self-harm. Risk behaviors (alcohol, drugs, games, diet, etc.) are frequent for people with borderline personality disorder; suicide attempts too.

BPD is sometimes classified between neurosis and psychosis. It has one thing in common with bipolar disorder and hyperactivity: cyclothymia (rapid change in mood)¹. BPD can lead to depression². It is often associated with other personality disorders or other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders, depressive disorders or ADHD.

It is difficult to share the daily life of people with BPD, particularly because of the symptoms of the disease. It may be difficult to understand the behavior of the sick person. Sometimes, the latter manages to hide her illness from those around her. Despite difficult symptoms, people with the disease can live normally and work, with appropriate treatment and follow-up³. In some cases, a hospitalization proves necessary.

For some time, studies have confirmed the possibility of effectively treating this psychiatric illness. Not long ago, BPD was still considered incurable, which is no longer the case today.

Prevalence

Borderline disorder affects 2% of the population. It would usually start in late adolescence, early adulthood. But some studies speak of the first symptoms much earlier, during childhood.

Diagnostic

The diagnosis of BPD is difficult. It is based on a psychological assessment and a consultation with a psychiatrist. The signs and symptoms of the disease obviously guide the diagnosis.

Complications

BPD can lead to the onset of other psychiatric illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder. It can also affect work, social life, self-esteem. Borderline personalities often have addictive behaviors. the suicide rate in people with borderline is particularly high.

Causes

The causes of borderline personality disorder are multiple and not all well established. This disease would in any case be multifactorial. There are for example biological and chemical causes (lack of serotonin in particular) but also genetic. Abnormalities in the brain, especially in the area of ​​emotion regulation, could be responsible for the appearance of this borderline personality disorder.