Detailed Description of the Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental condition or illness that is characterized by a high level of instability in relation to expressed emotions and behaviors. Individuals with BPD suffer from impulsiveness in their behaviors, their emotional state can be imbalanced, and they experience difficulties with regulating emotions and their intensity (Crowell, Beauchaine, & Linehan, 2009). As a result, this mental disorder can cause problems in relationships and social interactions.
Etiology
The actual causes of BPD are not known to researchers and practitioners because the research indicates that different combinations of factors can be associated with the further development of BPD, and the main determined groups of factors include biological factors and environmental or socio-cultural factors (Belsky, Caspi, Arseneault, & Bleidorn, 2012; Gratz, Latzman, Tull, Reynolds, & Lejuez, 2011). Biological factors include genetics (this disorder is discussed as inherited) and abnormal processes in the brain that cause problems in regulating emotions (Belsky et al., 2012). Environmental factors include the social or family impact on the person’s psychological development.
Risk Factors
Researchers determine risk factors related to the genetics and psychological atmosphere in a family (Belsky et al., 2012; Gratz et al., 2011). If an individual has a family member suffering from BPD, the risk of the illness development increases. If an individual experienced childhood abuse or was separated from the family, the risk of the illness development also increases.
Cultural Issues
Although researchers do not associate BPD with cultural issues directly, they state that BPD is most frequently diagnosed in Western countries (Crowell et al., 2009). The reason is in the association of BPD with individuals’ problems and their self-image, the feeling of frustration and anxiety in the society.
Comorbidity
Disorders that can co-occur with BPD are usually gender-specific. These disorders can include depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizotypal disorder, bipolar disorder, different types of narcissistic disorders, eating disorders, and different types of anxiety disorders (Grant, Chou, Goldstein, Huang, & Stinson, 2008). Furthermore, persons with BPD can also suffer from substance abuse.
How to Differentiate This Disorder from Similar Disorders
BPD is diagnosed focusing on the intensity and duration of typical symptoms and signs in contrast to other similar disorders, like bipolar disorder. An individual with BPD demonstrates extreme impulsivity and changes in behavior constantly, there are no periods of calmness as it is related to bipolar disorder or depression disorders. The person suffers from a chronically unstable self-image and highly emotional reactions.
The Biopsychosocial Approach to Conceptualising the Disorder
According to the biopsychosocial approach, the combination of both biological and psychological factors influences the development of BPD most significantly. If a person has experienced psychological trauma and his or her temperament allows impulsive reactions to stimuli, the development of BPD can be more likely in a concrete situation. Psychological traumas and neurobiological processes typical for a concrete person can determine the potential for the development of BPD.
The Most Up-To-Date Treatment Approaches for This Disorder
A borderline personality disorder is treated with the help of complex therapy that includes psychological therapy, the use of medications, and hospitalization in severe cases. Different types of therapy are proposed to persons (Belsky et al., 2012). The most actively used medications are antidepressants and drugs to decrease anxiety.
References
Belsky, D., Caspi, A., Arseneault, L., & Bleidorn, W. (2012). Etiological features of borderline personality related characteristics in a birth cohort of 12-year-old children. Development and Psychopathology, 24(1), 251-265.
Crowell, S., Beauchaine, T., & Linehan, M. (2009). A biosocial developmental model of borderline personality: Elaborating and extending Linehan’s theory. Psychological Bulletin, 135(3), 495-510.
Grant, B., Chou, S., Goldstein, R., Huang, B., & Stinson, F. (2008). Prevalence, correlates, disability, and comorbidity of DSM-IV borderline personality disorder: Results from the Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 533-545.
Gratz, K., Latzman, R., Tull, M., Reynolds, E., & Lejuez, C. (2011). Exploring the association between emotional abuse and childhood borderline personality features: The moderating role of personality traits. Behavior Therapy, 42(3), 493-508.