What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the name given to one of a group of psychiatric conditions called ‘personality disorder’. BPD is characterised by distressing emotional states, difficulty in relating to other people, and self-harming behaviour. Because of the behaviour associated with this condition, people with BPD often alienate those who know them, and have difficulty finding effective treatment and support. Over time, however, and especially where there is appropriate treatment and support, many people do learn to manage their behaviour successfully.

What are the symptoms?
People with BPD have persistent difficulty relating to others and to the world around them. This may include idealising or devaluing other people, difficulty compromising, marked impulsiveness and intense outbursts of anger, depression and anxiety. They may feel dependent on others for their identity or afraid of being left alone, and so often making frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. This may result in extreme behaviour such as repeated self-mutilation and taking overdoses of medication. Such behaviour – often dismissed as ‘attention-seeking’ or ‘manipulation’ – is a symptom of the disorder and requires professional treatment, as well as education and support for family and other carers.

What causes BPD?
The causes of BPD are unclear, although psychological, biological, social and environmental factors may be involved. Traumatic experiences in early life are common in people with a diagnosis of BPD.

How many people develop BPD?
About two in every hundred people will develop BPD at some time in their lives – that is about 300,000 Australians. Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with BPD than men.

How is BPD treated?
Treatment can help people manage, reduce or even eliminate the symptoms associated with BPD. Currently the most effective treatments are psychotherapy (including cognitive behaviour therapy), education and psychosocial rehabilitation. Medication may be helpful to relieve associated symptoms such as depression or anxiety. As BPD often occurs with mood disorders (including bipolar disorder and depression), eating disorders, or alcohol or drug abuse, it is essential that these are recognised and treated separately.

How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have.
SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness.

For more information about this topic see:
'The SANE Guide to Treatments'
Use the Order Form which came with this Factsheet or visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org

How do I find out more?
It is important that you ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness. Visit our website at www.sane.org.

SANE Australia . . .Borderline Personality Disorder

© SANE Factsheet 15.
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the content. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. Version: English, 2004.