What is Borderline Personality Disorder
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- What It Is
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Borderline Personality Disorder Definition
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and confusing illness. People with BPD may have unstable moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. They may often act impulsively. This behavior disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self. People with BPD also have difficulty controlling their moods (called affect regulation).
Most BPD sufferers have a very hard time coping with separations from loved ones and desperately try to avoid being alone. In severe cases, sufferers of BPD may seek relief from inner pain by cutting, burning, or scratching themselves.
Treatment options have improved as the causes and symptoms of BPD are better understood. Many BPD sufferers are helped by psychotherapy and medicines.
