Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is most likely to develop in individuals with a combination of genetic vulnerability and a history of adverse childhood experiences. Symptoms typically first appear during the mid-to-late teens or early adulthood.
You may have a higher risk of developing borderline personality disorder if it runs in your biological family. BPD is five times more common if you have a first-degree relative, like a biological parent or sibling, diagnosed with the condition.
Conclusions: Parental externalizing psychopathology and father's BPD traits contribute genetic risk for offspring BPD traits, but mothers' BPD traits and parents' poor parenting constitute environmental risks for the development of these offspring traits.
Environmental factors
being a victim of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. being exposed to long-term fear or distress as a child. being neglected by 1 or both parents. growing up with another family member who had a serious mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or a drink or drug misuse problem.
Borderline personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood. The condition is most serious in young adulthood. Mood swings, anger and impulsiveness often get better with age. But the main issues of self-image and fear of being abandoned, as well as relationship issues, go on.
Why BPD Symptoms Peak in Early Adulthood. In the 20s, identity formation and independence conflict with emotional vulnerability. Research shows impulsivity and mood swings occur most frequently between the ages of 18-25.
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect.
Over time, many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) overcome their symptoms and recover. Additional treatment is recommended for people whose symptoms return. Treatment for BPD may involve individual or group psychotherapy, carried out by professionals within a community mental health team (CMHT).
Splitting is triggered by anything that causes a person with BPD to take an extreme emotional viewpoint. The triggers are similar to those seen with NPD and could be something that seems harmless or “innocent” but is enough to spur emotions that a person with BPD is not able to handle.
Although the exact cause of borderline personality disorder is unknown, research suggests that genetic, physical, environmental, and social factors may increase the risk of developing the disorder. These include the following risk factors.
Symptoms - Borderline personality disorder
The “3 C's” often used in understanding BPD are: Clinginess (fear of abandonment), Conflict (intense relationships and mood swings), and Confusion (unstable self-image and identity).
Several things can make BPD more common now:
Some common warning signs include intense and rapidly changing emotions, often triggered by seemingly minor events. Individuals with BPD may exhibit impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, binge eating, or reckless driving.
Research indicates that BPD is linked to above-average intelligence (IQ > 130) and exceptional artistic talent (Carver, 1997). Because your partner with BPD may be exceptionally bright, they digest information and discover answers to problems more quickly than the average person.
Don't…
A defining feature of relationships with someone with BPD is the intense cycle of love and hate. This rollercoaster dynamic often leaves partners feeling confused, emotionally drained, and stuck. During the “love” phase, your partner may appear deeply affectionate, showering you with attention, love, and validation.
First, people with BPD are characterized by a biological vulnerability to experience intense emotions (i.e., affective instability), which includes (a) greater reactivity to internal and external stimuli, (b) stronger emotional intensity, and (c) slower return to a baseline level of emotional arousal.
Curiosity – Being extra sensitive and connection emotions, senses and surroundings allows for greater curiosity in the minds of those with BPD. Bold – Impulsivity is a BPD trait that can be positively linked to being bold, courageous and having the ability to speak one's mind.
Your assessment will probably be carried out by a specialist in personality disorders, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist. The assessment will involve being asked about your thoughts and feelings, what you feel you are good at and where you have difficulty, and how you're managing day to day.
BPD occurs equally in men and women, though women tend to seek treatment more often than men. Symptoms may get better in or after middle age.