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Borderline Personality Disorder
Overview
Overview
Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability
to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect
Diagnosis
how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with
Treatments and Therapies others. Effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms of borderline
personality disorder.
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Learn More Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
A licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical
social worker—who is experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders can
diagnose borderline personality disorder based on a thorough interview and a discussion
about symptoms. A careful and thorough medical exam also can help rule out other
possible causes of symptoms. In diagnosing the illness, providers will discuss a person’s
symptoms and ask about family medical histories, including histories of mental illness.
Borderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early
adulthood. Occasionally, a person younger than age 18 may be diagnosed with borderline
personality disorder if symptoms are significant and last at least a year.
What other illnesses can co-occur with borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other mental illnesses, such as post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These co-occurring disorders can make it harder to
diagnose and treat borderline personality disorder, especially if symptoms of other
illnesses overlap with symptoms of the disorder. For example, a person with borderline
personality disorder also may be more likely to experience symptoms of major
depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or eating
disorders.
Treatments and Therapies
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Health Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to
anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a
trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en
español, llame al 988.
Disaster Distress Hotline: People affected by any disaster or tragedy can call this
helpline, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, to receive immediate counseling. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to
connect with a trained professional from the closest crisis counseling center within
the network.
Veterans Crisis Line: This helpline is a free, confidential resource for Veterans of all
ages and circumstances. Call 1-800-273-8255, press "1"; text 838255; or chat online to
connect with 24/7 support.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free and confidential support 24 hours a
day throughout the U.S.
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Featured Publications About Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
This brochure presents information on borderline personality disorder, including signs and symptoms, causes,
diagnosis, co-occurring illnesses, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or others.
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Borderline Personality Disorder Studies
Research Results
PubMed: Journal Articles about Borderline Personality Disorder
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