Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships with other people.
Prevalence in the general population is considered to be similar for both genders. In clinical samples, females represent three quarters of all patients. Some experts hypothesize this may be due to men’s difficulty accessing care, particularly psychotherapy.
It is estimated that between 1% and 4% of the general population and between 15% and 25% of mental health inpatients have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.
A person with borderline personality disorder may experience episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last from a few hours to days.
People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and may display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly.
Researchers think that borderline personality disorder is caused by a combination of factors, including:
· Stressful or traumatic life events
· Genetic factors
Borderline personality disorder patients are exposed to risks due to their impulsivity – resulting in accidents, substance misuse and sexually transmitted diseases among others. Finally, instability in emotional and inter-personal relationships leads to communication problems between parents and children.
Some people with borderline personality disorder might be more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol as a way of trying to cope with the difficult emotions they experience.
Borderline personality disorder
