It is estimated that between one and five percent of the German population suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD) . Unfortunately, more precise figures are not possible, since only a fraction of those affected go to the doctor at all. The same applies to the question of whether the disease affects more men or women. Statistically, women are affected more often than men. However, it can also be the case that women are more likely to seek counseling than men. So borderline is still a mysterious disease.
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Profile Borderline
Symptoms: Strong emotional outbursts, panic attacks, depression, self-harm.
Treatment: behavioral or psychotherapy. In severe cases, drug treatment.
Prevention: Preventive measures are not possible. Childhood trauma often leads to BPD in adulthood.
One reason for the vague numbers could be the lack of acceptance in society. BPS is still viewed by many as an excuse to escape from reality. “Borderline has also become quite fashionable!” or “If you want to be hip, you need Borderline!” are statements that show how the personality disorder is perceived by many. It is easy to imagine the effects such sentences can have on those affected. Many doubt the correctness of their thoughts. A fatal mistake. Another problem is the lack of knowledge of the symptoms. It is entirely possible for people with BPD to have BPD without even realizing it. This can then have devastating consequences when wrong therapies or even medications are prescribed as a result of an incorrect diagnosis.
The causes of borderline
Doctors and scientists now assume that the causes of BPD often have their roots in childhood. Many sufferers have experienced severe to very severe trauma in their childhood, such as abuse, mistreatment, neglect or emotional coldness. It often turned out during therapy that the parents of those affected were both protectors and perpetrators at the same time. Patients were loved on the one hand and hated on the other. The inconsistency of two such strong emotions can overwhelm the psyche of many children and promote a disorder. However, there are also people with personality disorders who grew up in a completely normal environment. Another cause could be a brain disorder. It turned out that many patients
Symptoms of borderline
The clinical picture of BPDcan be diverse. What all sufferers have in common is that they cannot process or classify emotions properly. Many patients suffer from extreme mood swings such as excessive anger, panic attacks, depression, but also extreme joy and an increased willingness to take risks. Many sufferers are looking for a life on the limit. They drive too fast, drink too much alcohol or engage in extremely risky sports. This also includes the well-known self-injurious behavior. Science assumes that self-injury is a helpless reaction of the organism to the inner emotional chaos. For a brief moment there is a feeling that surpasses the others. For patients, this can mean emotional release, at least in the short term. But how can you tell if someone “only” Is irascible, eccentric, or suffers from BPD? Experts attach this to the level of suffering. For example, while an eccentric derives a certain amount of pleasure from an emotional outburst, the exact opposite is the case with a borderliner. He suffers from his extreme behaviors, but cannot control them.
Where does the term borderline come from?
The problem with borderline personality disorder is that it is a fairly new condition. Researchers still disagree on the classification, classification and definition of the disorder. It used to be assumed that borderline was a borderline disease between neurosis and psychosis. Hence the name “Borderline” (border line). Today the term is more clearly defined. According to the latest definition, BPD is an “emotionally unstable personality disorder of the borderline type” .
What can those affected do?
The first step for an affected person must be to perceive the illness as such and to accept it. The next step is often an appointment with your family doctor. Once the diagnosis has been made, patients are referred to a specialist. Depending on the severity of the illness, this can be a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. There is no general psychotherapy or behavioral therapy. Each person affected must be treated individually according to their own course of the disease. Detailed and structured discussions between patient and therapist are mandatory. Self-tests with questionnaires should be avoided. The internet is full of it. Such a self-help sheet is by no means reliable information. On the other hand, pastoral care can be of great help. They gently take those affected by the hand and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
What can relatives do?
Dealing with BPD sufferers is also difficult for relatives or other caregivers. It is precisely the helplessness that causes problems for many. However, one should not delude oneself that one can help those affected by one’s own efforts or even heal them. The patients suffer from a disorder that outsiders cannot empathize with. In some cases, relatives can aggravate the syndrome with their behavior. The sooner one accepts as an outsider that only professional therapy can help the loved one, the quicker the step towards healing is taken. Of course, there are plenty of chores that family members can do.
