More than four million Americans are living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). While other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, get a lot of attention, BPD also needs equal representation. Nearly 70% of people with this personality disorder will attempt suicide at least once over their lifetime. In fact, the suicide rate for people with BPD is nine times that of the general population. Clearly, BPD is a major mental health concern.
Given this information, it’s important to gain clarity about the different types of borderline personality disorder and options for BDP treatment in Oregon.
Types of Borderline Personality Disorder
1. Discouraged Borderline
A person with Discouraged BPD tends to be extremely dependent on their loved ones. While they may seem dejected on the outside, they may have extreme feelings of passion or anger for people on the inside. Often, people with this type of BPD seek love and approval but struggle with low self-esteem and poor self-image.
These symptoms may compel people to socialize less and even isolate themselves from others. As with many other types of Borderline Personality Disorder, a person may try to cope in dangerous ways, such as self-mutilation or even suicide.
2. Impulsive Borderline
A person with impulsive borderline personality disorder may be difficult to detect. This type of person often loves to talk, cracks jokes, and cares about self-image. Often, they crave attention and cannot stand boredom. As a result, they act impulsively and engage in risky behaviors.
When these impulsive behaviors land the individual in trouble, they may feel down and begin using addictive substances to cope with the emotional pain. They may even use self-injury as a maladaptive coping mechanism. It’s important to know the signs so you can help your loved one find treatment quickly. However, keep mind that all types of borderline personality disorder can be difficult to detect.
3. Petulant Borderline
A person who exhibits signs of petulant borderline personality disorder is impatient, irritable, and unpredictable. Their angry outbursts may surprise loved ones, while their own frustrations bog them down. Unless an individual with petulant BPD gets what they want, they may stubbornly refuse to admit their mistakes or give in.
People with this type of BPD are also easily disillusioned when things are not going their way. They may cope by being passive-aggressive or engaging in self-harm.
4. Self-Destructive Borderline
Someone with self-destructive borderline personality disorder is often highly self-critical and extremely dependent. They may have deep desires, but their feelings of bitterness, fear of abandonment, and a poor sense of self, prevent them from realizing those goals. Often, they form self-destructive coping mechanisms, such as acting in reckless ways that put their lives or reputations in danger.
5. Antisocial Borderline
People with antisocial borderline personality disorder often exhibit signs of impulsivity, callousness, and a lack of empathy. They may have a history of legal trouble or difficulty sustaining relationships. Often, they engage in risky behaviors without regard for the consequences.
These individuals may also lie or manipulate others to get what they want. They may use threats or physical violence to get their way. If you think someone you know has antisocial BPD, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible.
Recognizing Symptoms of BPD
The symptoms of the various types of borderline personality disorder can overlap. As human beings are inherently complex, only counselors and mental health professionals should address personality-related disorders. There are, however, certain symptoms you can look out for. These include:
- Unnatural and irrational feeling of rejection and abandonment
- Paranoid thoughts
- Impulsive, reckless behavior
- Bouts of anger
- Being highly judgmental in personal relationships
- Unstable relationships
- Problems with regulating emotions
- Feelings of emptiness
Seek Treatment at Crestview Recovery
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, various therapies have proven to be effective in managing the symptoms of BPD. If you or someone you know is struggling with this disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. With the right treatment, people with BPD can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Our counselors at Crestview Recovery are experts in the types of borderline personality disorder and personality disorder treatment. They use a range of evidence-based therapies to help you regain your sense of self-worth, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness marked by an ongoing pattern of changing moods, self-image, and destructive behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may also experience intense episodes of anger, depression, aggression, and anxiety that can last from only a few hours to days.
Don’t let a personality disorder take charge of your life. Instead, call us at 866.262.0531 today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
