Symptoms of BPD

Being able to identify the symptoms of borderline personality disorder can be extremely helpful in getting treatment as soon as possible. Learn about the signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder so that you can get help today.

What Are The Symptoms of BPD?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and unstable relationships. People with borderline personality disorder require treatment if they hope to find relief from the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. At Emerge Healing Center, we provide a trauma resolution based treatment program for people struggling with the symptoms of BPD so that they can live happy, healthy, and rewarding lives.

9 Main Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

According to the DSM-5, there are 9 notable signs of BPD that are used to diagnose this mental health disorder. These can vary in intensity between individuals, the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose borderline personality disorder requires someone to exhibit 5 out of the 9 symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

• Efforts to Avoid Abandonment: Actions and behaviors driven by fears of being left alone can be a central sign of borderline personality disorder.
• Intense and Unstable Relationships: Relationships of those with BPD often swing wildly from intense closeness and love (idealization) to intense dislike or anger (devaluation).
• Unstable Self-Image: A markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self is common.
• Impulsive Behavior: This includes engaging in behaviors that are potentially self-damaging, such as reckless driving, binge eating, and substance abuse.
• Emotional Instability: Some of the most common symptoms of BPD is intense emotional swings that often include periods of anxiety, dysphoria, and/or irritability.
• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: A pervasive sense of emptiness or boredom often characterizes this disorder.
• Intense Anger: Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger. This can manifest as frequent displays of temper, constant anger, or frequent physical fights.
• Disturbed Patterns of Thinking: This can range from transient paranoia to severe dissociative symptoms.
• Self-Harm: This could include cutting, burning, or suicide attempts.

Gender Differences in the Symptoms of BPD

While the major symptoms of BPD are similar among all individuals, research suggests that the expression of these symptoms can vary between males and females, influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors. This is notable since these gender differences can guide our clinical team on how best to care for each client who comes to us for help.

Symptoms of BPD in Females

Research has shown that the symptoms of BPD in females are slightly more subtle than they are in males. Females with BPD are more likely to internalize their emotions, which often results in:

• Greater frequency of mood swings.
• More common occurrences of depression and anxiety.
• Increased likelihood of self-harm and suicidal ideation or attempts.
• Predominant feelings of emptiness and self-devaluation.
• More intense and unstable relationships, with high levels of dependency on partners or friends for emotional support and validation.

It is thought that these manifestations are often influenced by societal and cultural expectations that shape how females process and express emotions.

Symptoms of BPD in Males

The symptoms of BPD in males are usually manifested more overtly. Males with BPD may externalize their emotions, leading to:

• Higher propensity for substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
• More frequent expressions of explosive anger and aggressiveness.
• Greater likelihood of impulsivity manifesting as physical fights or other confrontational behaviors.
• Less likelihood of seeking help for emotional difficulties, often due to cultural norms around masculinity and emotional expression.

It is also thought that this externalization is a reflection of societal norms that discourage emotional expressiveness in men, which can lead to more aggressive and outward-facing symptoms.

What Causes Gender Differences in BPD Symptoms?

Understanding the factors that influence the gender differences in the symptoms of BPD is crucial for tailoring treatment approaches to each client. For men, treatment for borderline personality disorder might focus more on managing anger and impulsivity, while for females, it might address issues of emotional instability and self-harm tendencies.

In both cases, however, the overarching goal is to foster better emotional regulation, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance self-image. Each treatment plan should be responsive to the individual’s gender, cultural background, history of trauma, and personal experiences to effectively address their specific manifestation of BPD.

Some of the external factors that can influence the signs and symptoms of BPD include:

• Biological Factors: Hormonal influences, such as estrogen and testosterone, can modulate mood and behavior differently in males and females, potentially influencing the symptomatology of BPD.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Cultural expectations and norms significantly affect how symptoms are expressed and managed. For example, emotional expressiveness is often more socially acceptable for females, whereas males might be encouraged to display strength and suppress vulnerabilities.
• Environmental Factors: Differences in upbringing and life experiences, such as exposure to trauma and the methods taught to manage emotions, also play critical roles in the development and manifestation of BPD symptoms across genders.

Finding Treatment for the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Effective behavioral health treatment is pivotal in helping people with borderline personality disorder recover from their symptoms and lead more stable, fulfilling lives. At Emerge Healing Center, the cornerstone of successful treatment for BPD involves comprehensive approaches that combine psychotherapy, medication management, and support systems, tailored to each client’s individual needs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the symptoms of borderline personality disorder and need help, call Emerge Healing Center today. We are here to provide high-quality borderline personality disorder treatment at our dual diagnosis treatment center in Alpharetta, Georgia. Don’t wait, call today.