Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense and unstable emotions, difficulty regulating emotions and impulses, and unstable relationships with others. These symptoms are organized into nine traits, which are used to diagnose the disorder. Here are the nine traits of BPD, along with a brief description of each:
- Fear of abandonment
People with BPD often have a deep-seated fear of being abandoned or rejected by others, which can lead to clingy or needy behavior.
- Unstable relationships
BPD can cause intense and unstable relationships with others, characterized by idealizing someone one moment and demonizing them the next.
- Identity disturbance
People with BPD may struggle to form a coherent sense of self, leading to confusion about their values, goals, and sense of purpose.
- Impulsivity
BPD can cause impulsive behavior, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, binge eating, or self-harm.
- Suicidal behavior
People with BPD may have suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harm as a way to cope with their intense emotions.
- Emotional instability
BPD can cause extreme and fluctuating emotions, such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and emptiness.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
People with BPD may feel like they have a deep and unrelenting sense of emptiness or loneliness, even when surrounded by others.
- Intense anger
BPD can cause intense and uncontrollable anger, which can lead to verbal or physical outbursts.
- Paranoid ideation
People with BPD may experience fleeting or persistent thoughts that others are out to harm or deceive them.
It’s important to note that not everyone with BPD will experience all nine of these traits, and the severity of each trait can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
