Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder's Impact

Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that can be detrimental to the victim and everyone around them. It has been known to cause unbelievable social turmoil in the surrounding areas. It is hard to maintain relationships with these people, this includes family ties. People with this disorder are known to have self-destructive tendencies, subconscious or not. They struggle to maintain steady friendships and have wild mood changes. It is known to affect about one in every 33 women and about one in every 100 men. It is also estimated that 1.6% of the adult population of the U.S. is affected by BPD but because most BPD cases are misdiagnosed as other mental disorders it is more likely 5.9%. Also in research studies

These may include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance abuse or dependence, narcissism and paranoia. There are three theorized causes of BPD, however none of them are proven to be the definitive cause of the disorder. One cause suspected is genetics, but there is no specific gene that has been found to cause it. This theory is still strongly supported do to case studies of BDP involving twins in which people with a relative suffering from first degree BDP are five times more likely to have it themselves. Another common cause of BPD are of course environmental factors. During their youth, children exposed to neglect,physical or sexual abuse and separation from their parents have a higher likelihood of developing BPD. The third cause of BPD is brain function. It is thought that the portions of the brain that control decision making, judgement and emotion may not be communicating well in those affected by Borderline Personality

My mother was diagnosed with BPD a little bit over a year ago. It was after a psychotic episode in which she nearly committed suicide and admitted herself into a psychiatric facility that she was diagnosed. Since then I have had a front row seat to all of the symptoms of BPD. She has very erratic behavior and causes distress in the lives of the majority of people around her. It is extremely difficult to stay associated to someone with this disorder. Some of her actions cause great embarrassment to me and the rest of my family. Her morals are extremely distorted and her perception of the world is almost never accurate. She always perceives herself as an innocent victim or a hero in a confrontation almost always caused by her. One of the hardest parts of being around someone with this condition is that no matter how many times you tell them their behavior is wrong or hurtful they always see themselves in the right. BPD has had a huge impact on my life and continues to affect people everyday. It is extremely important that people with this condition are diagnosed promptly and properly. Misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and ultimately make the condition worse for the sufferer and those around him or her. Bipolar Personality Disorder is a very serious condition and should not be taken