Personality Disorders at Optimal Mind Psychiatry in McDonough, GA
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex condition that impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
People who live with BPD often have difficulty maintaining stable relationships, and several symptoms can be dangerous. While some are similar to other mental illnesses, the combination of BPD symptoms can feel overwhelming.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense and often rapid mood swings, making it challenging for individuals to regulate their emotions effectively. This emotional instability significantly impacts relationships with loved ones, as the intense emotional shifts can be difficult to navigate and understand. Consequently, it can lead to impulsive actions and behaviors that are occasionally destructive, adding a layer of complexity to managing the disorder and its effects on one's life.
Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms
One reason BPD is difficult to diagnose is because the condition is often accompanied by other mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety or substance use. During a mental health assessment, be sure to discuss all your symptoms and concerns.
Borderline personality disorder symptoms include:
-
Efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
-
A pattern of unstable relationships
-
Distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self
-
Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors (e.g., substance use, unsafe sex, reckless driving)
-
Self-harming or suicidal behavior
-
Chronic feelings of emptiness
-
Intense and highly changeable moods
-
Inappropriate bursts of anger or problems controlling anger
-
Dissociation – feeling like you’re disconnected from your thoughts or sense of identity
Co-Occurring Disorders
Not everyone with BPD will experience all of these symptoms, but some people will experience many of them over time. These symptoms usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood, although early symptoms may occur during childhood.
How is Personality Disorder diagnosed (BPD)?
Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. During this evaluation, your mental health provider will carefully assess your symptoms and delve into various aspects of your life to understand your experiences.
At the initial evaluation, which typically lasts for about 60 minutes, your mental health provider at Optimal Mind Psychiatry will take the time to listen to your experiences and concerns. They will ask insightful questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your emotional and behavioral patterns, relationships, self-perception, and other relevant aspects of your life.
-
Discouraged Borderline: Individuals in this subtype primarily exhibit traits of helplessness, dependency, and avoidance of interpersonal conflicts. They often struggle with self-esteem, have a pervasive fear of abandonment, and tend to rely heavily on others for emotional support and decision-making.
-
Impulsive Borderline: This subtype is characterized by impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, or risky sexual encounters. Individuals in this subtype often struggle with regulating their impulses and tend to act on their emotions without considering the consequences.
-
Petulant Borderline: Individuals in this subtype display defiance, stubbornness, and a tendency to react with negativism. They may resist authority, be resentful, and may deliberately provoke arguments or conflicts, often feeling misunderstood or unappreciated.
-
Self-Destructive Borderline: This subtype is associated with self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts. Individuals in this subtype struggle with intense emotional pain and may engage in self-destructive actions as a way to cope with their emotional turmoil.
-
Quiet Borderline: Often referred to as "Quiet BPD," individuals in this subtype internalize their struggles and emotions. They may avoid externalizing their emotional distress and may appear withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. They tend to internalize their pain, making it challenging for others to recognize their inner struggles.
Different types of Personality Disorders
Medication Management
For managing Personality Disorders, it's often advisable to combine medication with therapy. Our team ensures a personalized treatment strategy aligning with your unique symptoms and requirements. Continuous monitoring of your progress and symptoms is an integral part of this treatment, allowing us to fine-tune medication doses and frequency for optimal results.
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including Personality Disorders. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
