Borderline Personality Disorder 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is defined from The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as “a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked by impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.” In other words, people with this diagnosis suffer from emotional imbalances that impact their perceptions, thinking patterns, and behavior on a daily basis. They also struggle in maintaining personal relationships, be effective as parents, function well at work, and follow through with their personal goals. People can start having symptoms as soon as during adolescence, and most BPD individuals are diagnosed as young adults. 

It was believed to be uncommon and people who had BPD symptoms were being diagnosed incorrectly. Though, up to one in every 16 American suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder at some point in their lives. In total, 5.9 percent of a study among 34,000 American adults suffered with symptoms similar to BPD; by gender, 5.6 percent for men and 6.2 percent for women. That is around 18 million American adults that are destined to suffer from BPD at some point in their lives. Treatment for this disorder is usually effective, which is something that millions of people can seek forward to and get help. 

Treatment for BPD are “psychotherapy-centered with medications, education, life skills training, and holistic healing techniques frequently added to the mix.” The good thing about this disorder is that it is among the highest from all mental health disorders in recovery rates. Even though the number of people that could possibly get diagnose is high, there is excellent treatment for those seeking for help. Research and science are now more than ever prepared to treat BPD effectively with the right healing techniques.  

Written by: Brisa Rodriguez Alcantar 

Reference: How Common is Borderline Personality Disorder? (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2019, from https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/borderline-personality-disorder/common-borderline-personality-disorder/