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Borderline Personality Disorder

Instability in emotions, relationships, and self-image

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a cluster B personality disorder described in DSM-5-TR with a pattern of pervasive instability typically beginning in early adulthood.

Diagnosis requires five or more of nine criteria including efforts to avoid abandonment, unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, self-harm, affective instability, emptiness, intense anger, and transient dissociation or paranoia.

Contemporary models view BPD as a disorder of emotional regulation arising from the interaction between genetic vulnerability and invalidating or traumatic developmental experiences.

Despite its historical reputation, BPD is highly treatable and many people experience substantial remission with appropriate care.

Symptoms

Intense fear of abandonment and efforts to avoid perceived rejection
Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships with idealization and devaluation
Identity disturbance with unstable self-image or sense of self
Impulsivity in areas such as spending, sex, substance use, reckless driving, or binge eating
Recurrent self-harming behavior, suicidal gestures, or threats
Affective instability, chronic emptiness, intense anger, and transient stress-related paranoia or dissociation

Risk Factors

History of childhood abuse, neglect, or chronic invalidation
Genetic vulnerability and first-degree relatives with mood or personality disorders
Early loss of parental figures or unstable attachment
Comorbid mood, anxiety, eating, or substance use disorders
Neurobiological sensitivity to stress and altered regulation of amygdala-prefrontal circuits
Cumulative adolescent stressors and trauma

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek psychiatric evaluation when longstanding instability of mood, relationships, or self-image impairs daily life.
  • Contact a clinician or emergency services urgently for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or unsafe impulsive behavior.
  • Families and partners also benefit from professional guidance on validation and communication.

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, suicide risk evaluation, and identification of comorbidities
02
Structured evidence-based psychotherapy such as dialectical behavior therapy, mentalization-based therapy, or transference-focused psychotherapy
03
Skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness
04
Targeted pharmacotherapy for comorbid depression, anxiety, or psychotic symptoms; no medication is curative for BPD itself
05
Crisis planning, safety plans, and coordinated care across outpatient and emergency services
06
Family psychoeducation and long-term follow-up to support recovery

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.