The Possible Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder

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In 1980, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) listed borderline personality disorder as a diagnosable illness for the first time. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a chronic, debilitating biological disorder affecting the limbic system of the brain that controls emotions (National Institute of Mental Health). BPD is a mental illness that produces unusual emotional instability. It is marked by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. The name was given to this illness during a time when little was known about it. Some people think that personality doesn’t describe the disease accurately. Because of the emotional impact that it has on an individual, some think the name should be changed…show more content…
Research on the possible causes is still at a very early stage. Scientists generally agree that genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. Social or cultural factors may increase the risk for borderline personality disorder. Being a part of a community or culture in which unstable family relationships are common may increase a person’s risk for the disorder (Gunderson,…show more content…
Research suggests psychotherapy can relieve some symptoms, but further studies are needed to better understand how well psychotherapy works (Binks, Fenton, McCarthy, Lee, Adams, and Duggan, 2006). It is sometimes difficult for individuals with borderline personality disorder to trust their therapist. However, it’s is key that they maintain a bond with their therapist. Types of psychotherapy used to treat borderline personality disorder include the following: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and schema-focused therapy. These treatments are some the options that may be available. The majority of people with this illness will find dialectical behavioral therapy to be the most useful form of psychotherapy (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2014). Borderline personality disorder medications have been shown to reduce some of the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). While there are currently no medications approved by the FDA to treat BPD, research has shown that some medications do reduce certain symptoms. Also, medications may be used to treat psychological conditions that frequently co-occur with BPD (e.g., major depressive disorder). Medications may be particularly effective for BPD when they are used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other treatments (Triebwasser and Siever,

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