Borderline Personality Disorder: A Misunderstood and Stigmatised Illness
Published: 21 December 2022
Published: 21 December 2022
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a type of mental illness characterised by ongoing instability in the areas of interpersonal relationships, self-image and impulsivity (APA, as cited by Australian BPD Foundation Limited 2017).
The term ‘borderline’ was first used in the era of psychoanalysis when the condition was thought to exist on the border of psychosis and neurosis. However, BPD is now understood to be a disorder in its own right (Malcolm 2014).
It’s estimated that 1 to 4% of the Australian population is living with BPD (Better Health Channel 2019). Approximately 10% of psychiatric outpatients are estimated to have BPD. The rate is close to 20% for people who are inpatients in mental health wards (Ellison, as cited in SANE 2022).
People living with BPD may experience difficulty in controlling impulses and emotions, relating to people and maintaining a stable self-image (SANE 2022).
Generally, the symptoms of BPD first appear during the teenage years or early adulthood (SANE 2022).
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with BPD (SANE 2022).
The intense, unstable nature of BPD can alienate those living with the condition, causing them to feel isolated and therefore increasing the risk of self-harm and suicide (Belmont Private Hospital 2018).
BPD may be one of the most stigmatised mental illnesses. This stigma is likely a result of the following three factors:
(Beatson, as cited by Malcolm 2014)
BPD can be extremely distressing for the person affected, as well as for their family and friends. Fortunately, there are treatments available for BPD. Furthermore, people with BPD have a high recovery rate following diagnosis and treatment (SANE 2022).
Common features of BPD are instability regarding:
(APA, as cited by Australian BPD Foundation Limited 2017)
This instability is accompanied by impulsivity, risk-taking and/or hostility. The person living with BPD will also present with difficulties in regard to identity, self-direction, empathy and/or intimacy (APA, as cited by Australian BPD Foundation Limited 2017).
To form a diagnosis, the above-mentioned patterns of unstable interpersonal relationships, goals, self-image and marked impulsivity will be indicated by five or more of the following:
(APA, as cited by Australian BPD Foundation Limited 2017)
There isn’t a singular known cause of BPD (SANE 2022).
However, a complex combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, developmental or psychological problems, neglect, abuse and trauma during childhood, are believed to make certain people more susceptible to developing BPD (SANE 2022).
The primary treatment for people living with BPD is psychological therapy. The aim of these therapies is to help people achieve a better understanding of their feelings, responses and behaviours (SANE 2022).
Living with BPD can make a person feel that they have little control over their life. For this reason, establishing good routines, such as eating healthily, exercising and getting sufficient sleep, can help a person regain a sense of control (SANE 2022). Typically, the symptoms of BPD ease with age (Belmont Private Hospital 2018).
If you’re in crisis and need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Question 1 of 3
True or False: BPD is more common in men than in women.