Borderline personality disorder (BPD), is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a long-term disturbance of personality function. It is one of four related diagnoses classified as Cluster B (“dramatic-erratic”) personality disorders typified by disturbance in impulse control and emotional deregulation (the other personality disorders being narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial).
People with BPD are often uncertain about their identity. As a result, their interests and values may change rapidly. They also tend to see things in extremes, either being all good or all bad. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships. Problems with anger management have also been reported along with feelings of emptiness and paranoia.
Symptoms
People with BPD are often uncertain about their identity. As a result, their interests and values may change rapidly. They also tend to see things in extremes, either being all good or all bad. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.
Other symptoms of BPD include:
- Fear of being abandoned
- Feelings of emptiness and boredom
- Frequent displays of inappropriate anger
- Impulsiveness with money, substance abuse, sexual relationships, binge eating, or shoplifting
- Intolerance of being alone
- Repeated crises and acts of self-injury, such as wrist cutting or overdosing