Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be distressing and debilitating for those who experience it.
As if that isn’t enough, BPD is also regularly misunderstood, with many myths and misconceptions associated with BPD.
Unfortunately, much of what we have learned about BPD through research has only been amassed in recent years. This means many people, including health practitioners, might not be up to speed.
Here are 5 things you might not know:
It’s treatable. Yes. The therapies most supported by research are DBT (intensive, with regular group and individual sessions) followed DBT (individual sessions only) and then Schema Therapy, which have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms.
Early intervention is ideal. So often people with some signs of BPD have been turned away from treatment services for not having “enough symptoms” to meet diagnosis and/or reluctance to label young teens with BPD. But early intervention is not only showing great promise, it is strongly recommended, with a recent call to eliminate taboo, reduce gate-keeping, and make treatment available for anyone showing signs. Early signs can be identified as young as 12 (right up to age 25). Why not provide help as early as possible? The sooner the better.
Personality and BPD symptoms are far more changeable across the lifespan than we first thought. This means learning, changing, and recovery are possible at any age! But the earlier we intervene, the easier those changes will be to implement and maintain. Many people with BPD have been diagnosed late, after much misdiagnosis, various treatments, and service experiences, which can mean they can feel disillusioned and may even have been harmed by our health systems. It’s not fun to have BPD as it is; we need to provide better services and treatment.
BPD is more heritable than Depression. Let me repeat that: Borderline Personality Disorder is more heritable (i.e., has a stronger genetic contribution) than depression! This means, parents who can feel extreme guilt, shame, and self-blame, can let go of some of that and look to the genes. Although, relationships are extremely important in the treatment of BPD, especially for teens and young adults, so where possible, positive parent/carer or family involvement can be invaluable.
While trauma is a common risk factor, we now know there are many pathways to BPD and should not rule out BPD if the person has never experienced trauma. For example, 15-25% of people with BPD report nil history of trauma. So… more spotting of early signs, less gate-keeping of services, and more early intervention!
Above all, we need to give people with BPD dignity, better information, support, and earlier, effective treatment. If you have BPD or some BP signs, see your GP today to discuss options and treatment plans.
If you want to learn more, here is a great list of myths associated with BPD: https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/borderline-personality-disorder
The BPD Foundation also have an excellent resource library on BDP here: https://bpdfoundation.org.au/virtual-library.php
Renae Kurth, Director/Clinical Psychologist
