Borderline Personality
A Challenging but Treatable Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively. Heritability of this illness is estimated to be up to 68%.
The symptoms include: fear of abandonment, impulsivity, anger, bodily self-harm, suicide, and chaotic relationships. While some persons with BPD are high functioning in certain settings, their private lives may be in turmoil. Others are unable to work and require financial support.
Officially recognized in 1980 by the psychiatric community, BPD is more than two decades behind in research, treatment options, and family psycho-education compared to other major psychiatric disorders. BPD has historically met with widespread misunderstanding and blatant stigma. However, evidenced-based treatments have emerged over the past two decades bringing hope to those diagnosed with the disorder and their loved ones.
Prevalence
- BPD afflicts up to 5.9% of adults (approximately 14 million Americans)
- BPD is more common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- 20% of inpatients admitted to psychiatric hospitals, 10% of outpatients have BPD
Suicide and Self-Injury
10% of adults with BPD commit suicide
55-85% of adults with BPD self-injure their bodies
33% of youth who commit suicide have features of BPD
Treatment Challenges
evidence-based therapies for BPD exist but need wider dissemination
about 85% of people with BPD also meet the diagnostic criteria of another mental disorder
a 30-year woman with BPD typically has the medical profile of a woman in her 60s
38% of adults with BPD are prescribed three or more medications
Economic Impacts
up to 40% of high users of mental health services have BPD
over 50% of people with BPD are severely impaired in employability
BPD is implicated in 17% of the prison population
38% of those with BPD have substance abuse/dependence disorders
Growing Support and Awareness
- NAMI raises BPD to one of its priority populations in March 2006
- Congressional Luncheon Briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder, May 8, 2007
- U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passes House Resolution 1005 on April 1, 2008, designating May as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
- Congressional Luncheon Briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder, May 19, 2010
- Well-known individuals are finally coming forth to help build awareness and bring hope
Source: Research presentations at NEA.BPD Conferences 2002-20011 www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com