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Personality Disorders

BPD — Diagnosis & Treatment in Maryland

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by emotional dysregulation, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment. DBT therapy combined with targeted medication produces significant improvement.

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Common Signs & Symptoms

  • !Intense fear of abandonment
  • !Unstable and intense relationships
  • !Identity disturbance — unclear sense of self
  • !Impulsivity in self-damaging areas
  • !Recurrent self-harm or suicidal behavior
  • !Intense emotional reactions disproportionate to situations
  • !Chronic feelings of emptiness

What Causes This?

  • Combination of genetic vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences
  • Invalidating childhood environment
  • Trauma history common but not universal

Treatment Approaches

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

The gold-standard treatment for BPD — teaches distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Targeted Medication

Mood stabilizers for affective instability; antipsychotics for transient psychotic symptoms; SSRIs for depression.

Crisis Planning

Safety planning and crisis resources are a core component of BPD treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPD treatable?

Yes — DBT has the strongest evidence for BPD. Many patients achieve significant symptom reduction and improved functioning with treatment. Longitudinal studies show most patients remit over time.

Related Topics

Think This Could Be Your Issue?

A proper diagnosis is the first step. Schedule your consultation today.

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