An individual trait that reflects ingrained, inflexible, and maladaptive patterns of behavior characterized by impulsive and unpredictable actions, mood instability, and unstable interpersonal relationships.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of borderline personality disorder is not known. However, several psychological hypotheses rely on biological, social, and psychological factors to understand people with this disorder. The person with a borderline personality is impulsive in areas that have a potential for self-destruction. Risk factors include abandonment issues in childhood or adolescence, sexual abuse, disruptive family life, and poor communication within the family. This personality disorder is often associated with schizotypal, histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders . It tends to occur more often in women.
Treatment
Self-destructive behavior may be modified through peer relationships in social and therapeutic environments. Peer reinforcement of appropriate behavior may be successful because difficulties with authority often impede learning. Group therapy can be helpful in modifying specific impulsive behaviors, as peer pressure in the group may restrain rash behavior. Drug therapy includes the use of mood stabilizers such as lithium and carbamazepine, antidepressants, and low-dose neuroleptics are also common treatments.
Expectations (prognosis)
Borderline personality disorder has a poor prognosis (probable outcome) as noncompliance with treatment is common. However, people with this disorder who make it through their 30's and maintain sobriety, may begin to improve.