The Complexity of Borderline Personality Disorder

Highest Standards, Nationally Recognized:

Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a disorder so complex that it comes in many different forms. This mental disorder comes with unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. It will come with efforts to avoid abandonment, impulsivity, emotional instability, identity disturbances, and feelings of emptiness. BPD can be diagnosed more in early adulthood than in childhood since children and teens are constantly growing and changing who they are as people. 1.6% and 5.9% of the general population are affected by this disorder. The intensity of the symptoms could be decreased with age mostly in their 40s or 50s. In order to understand the complexity of BPD, it is best to explore the extreme symptoms that come with this disorder.

One symptom is committing frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Those with BPD can be sensitive to what is happening around them. Constantly having fears of abandonment and unleashing their anger inappropriately is a result. BPD patients can be angry at the smallest change in plans such as a meeting being canceled or being a few minutes late. If someone abandons them, then that person will be seen as bad. In order to avoid abandonment, BPD patients can commit acts of manipulation to get what they want by either hurting themselves or attempting suicide.

Another symptom is having unstable and intense relationships. When meeting someone for the first or second time, these caregivers or lovers could one minute appear to look like the greatest people in the world that BPD patients want to spend time with. Then, if the ones they love do something to upset them, BPD patients can switch their mood from idealizing them to devaluing them. These individuals are able to empathize and be nurturing to others but only if their demands are met.

Identity disturbance is another symptom where goals, values and career aspirations suddenly shift. Changes in opinions and plans about sexual identity, career, values, and friends can occur. These individuals can either beg for help or can be an avenger for past mistreatment. There are even feelings buried deep inside them that they did not even know they had. This can happen when the BPD patient feels they are not getting enough support, nurturing, or meaningful relationships.


Despite its complexities, recovery is possible. You can thrive in life while managing borderline personality disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorders. Avalon Malibu is one of California’s only certified primary mental health residential treatment facility, providing trusted programs with trusted results. Call us today for more information: (888) 958-7511


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