7 Dangerous Myths and Misconceptions About BPD

*This is a collaborative post.

Personality disorders can be difficult to understand, and a lot of the time, myths and misconceptions can get thrown around so often that the real facts about certain disorders can become confused. In this article, we’re going to debunk some of the myths surrounding BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) and talk about how you can get help if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms. But first, what is BPD, and how do you know whether you have it?

What is BPD?

Borderline personality disorder is also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), as it is a personality disorder that typically relates to instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image and mood. Those who struggle with BPD can often experience anxieties around being abandoned or rejected, which in many cases leads to extremes such as self harm and suicidal thoughts. 

Typical signs of BPD include:

• Worrying about abandonment, loneliness and rejection
• Experiencing intense emotions (lasting up to several days) that rapidly change (e.g. feeling happy before suddenly feeling sad)
• Intense feelings of anger which are difficult to control
• A feeling of emptiness
• Difficulty maintaining relationships 
• Little sense of who you are as a person, and insecurity about this
• Stress, paranoia or dissociation
• Impulsiveness, particularly when it comes to harmful behaviours

The severity of a person’s BPD will depend on a number of factors, from relationships and availability of support to whether they have suffered with any psychological conditions in the past. The most important thing to remember of course, is that help is always at hand – experienced therapists can support anyone going through emotional distress as a result of BPD. 

7 Myths About BPD, Debunked!

Since the disorder can have such a serious impact on the day-to-day life and overall well being of the individual, it’s important that the myths surrounding it are nipped in the bud to avoid any confusion. Below are some of the common untruths about BPD.

BPD is the same as bipolar disorder

People often mistake Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder as being similar because both involve emotion-based symptoms. However, the key difference is that Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, whereas BPD is a personality disorder. BPD can involve rapid emotional shifts and general instability, but these are typically linked to difficulties in specific relationships or situations, rather than the broader mood shifts seen in Bipolar Disorder. If you feel you might have BPD or Bipolar Disorder, it is crucial to seek help from medical professionals. You will likely be asked to take a symptoms of bipolar disorder assessment, among other evaluations, to diagnose your condition accurately and develop a tailored treatment plan.

BPD is more common in women

While there has been a higher percentage of women diagnosed with BPD, it being “more common” should certainly not be claimed as fact until extensive research has been done. Assuming that women are more likely to suffer with BPD is ultimately an excuse to be less aware of the condition in men, and may also disencourage men to come forward if they believe they are showing signs of the condition. 

BPD can only be diagnosed in adults

While it remains difficult to diagnose BPD in children, this is not to say it can’t be done. Noticeable symptoms will typically be spotted towards the end of puberty and the beginning of adulthood, but it is harmful to assume that younger teens cannot be diagnosed. Young patients may be recommended care for different conditions if BPD is not seen as a potential culprit, which could lead to increased anxiety, delays in the patient’s development and further issues down the line.

BPD is untreatable

In the early days of BPD research, it was thought that the condition was untreatable as it was based around a person’s entire personality – a difficult aspect to play around with. However, there are a range of psychological therapies that have been researched and deemed to be effective in the treatment of BPD. If you choose to seek help, a therapist will be able to guide you to the most relevant treatment option depending on your symptoms.

Medications cannot treat BPD

It was once believed that the severity of someone’s BPD was primarily influenced by environmental factors, and therefore medications would have little to no impact compared to psychotherapy treatments. However, it has since been proven that some medications, particularly antidepressants and mood stabilizers, have been able to significantly reduce some of the more severe symptoms of BPD. In addition, this reduction in symptoms has allowed patients to receive more value from psychotherapy sessions. 

Therefore, it is often the case that combining both medication-based treatments with therapy sessions is most effective when treating BPD. Specialists in the condition will be able to recommend the ideal balance of the two for your treatment. 

Families should not be included in the treatment process

Family involvement is actually highly effective and beneficial for the individual when it comes to treating BPD. It’s true that the treatment of mental disorders usually remains entirely confidential, but in these cases, involvement of loved ones can increase the effectiveness of treatment. This is particularly true for younger sufferers of BPD – expanding the support network beyond the therapist can make for much more rapid responses to treatment. 

People with BPD are always manipulative and attention-seeking

People with BPD are not necessarily natural manipulators. In order to manipulate, an element of pre-planning must be involved. For those with BPD, actions are more often impulsive – particularly when it comes to responding to intense reactions. While this might appear contrived or attention seeking from a first glance, it’s important to remember that people with BPD are dealing with heightened feelings and their reactions, whatever they may be, are simply a way of trying to get to grips with, and regulate, those feelings.

If you think you might be showing signs of Borderline Personality Disorder, don’t let common myths stop you from seeking help. The Awareness Centre offers a variety of treatment options for mental disorders, and the professional therapists and psychologists will ensure you get all the support you need.

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