Since the introduction of personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980's, BPD has been viewed by clinicians as a female-specific disorder [5]. The DSM-5, for example, indicated that approximately 75% of individuals diagnosed with BPD are females [1].
Borderline Personality Disorder happens more often in women because they are socialized to be more dependent on others (a symptom of BPD) and can be more sensitive to rejection. Mental health professionals and therapists who diagnose women with BPD may be biased.
It's usually diagnosed in teens and young adults, though it may also be diagnosed later in life. It seems to affect more women than men. Family members—You are five times more likely to develop BPD if a close family member like a parent or sibling has BPD.
Although a person of any gender may experience similar symptoms, there are signs of BPD that are more prevalent in men, including intense displays of anger, antisocial behavior, and substance use, among others.
The lifetime prevalence of BPD may be as high as 5.9%. The DSM-5 suggests that there is a 3:1 female to male gender ratio of BPD clinically,2 however several papers suggest no difference in this rate in the population as a whole.
The NHMRC Guideline suggests Australia has a population prevalence of 1-4%. > Based on a population prevalence estimate 1-4 %, in South Australia we would expect approximately 17,000 – 68,000 South Australians to be living with BPD.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPDs) become overwhelmed and incapacitated by the intensity of their emotions, whether it is joy and elation or depression, anxiety, and rage. They are unable to manage these intense emotions.
BPD is considered to be one of the most serious mental illnesses, as it causes a great deal of suffering and has a high-risk for suicide.”
Research indicates that BPD is linked to above-average intelligence (IQ > 130) and exceptional artistic talent (Carver, 1997). Because your partner with BPD may be exceptionally bright, they digest information and discover answers to problems more quickly than the average person.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has long been believed to be a disorder that produces the most intense emotional pain and distress in those who have this condition. Studies have shown that borderline patients experience chronic and significant emotional suffering and mental agony.
Favorite person in the borderline personality disorder community. FP has a unique meaning in the BPD community. A FP is a person who someone with BPD relies heavily on for emotional support, seeks attention and validation from, and looks up to or idealizes.
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder usually first occur in the teenage years and early twenties. However, onset may occur in some adults after the age of thirty, and behavioral precursors are evident in some children.
Among mixed-sex comparisons on BPD, there was substantial evidence that males tend to display more aggressiveness and impulsivity, and some evidence that females tend to display symptoms of affective instability, suicidal or self-harm behaviours, and unstable relationship/s.
Stressful or traumatic life events
Often having felt afraid, upset, unsupported or invalidated. Family difficulties or instability, such as living with a parent or carer who experienced an addiction. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect.
BPD splitting ruins relationships since the person can misconstrue the behaviours of others when their feelings are brought up in the relationship. Often, the borderline person is unaware of how they feel when their feelings surface, so they displace their feelings onto others as causing them.
BPD is a very different diagnosis than schizophrenia, though the two can co-exist. While BPD is characterized by a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships; schizophrenia is characterized by a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dysfunctions.
Things that can indicate an episode is occurring: Intense angry outbursts. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm behavior. Going to great lengths to feel something, then becoming increasingly avoidant and withdrawn.
For many folks with BPD, a “meltdown” will manifest as rage. For some, it might look like swinging from one intense emotion to another. For others, it might mean an instant drop into suicidal ideation. Whatever your experience is, you're not alone.
Many people who live with borderline personality disorder don't know they have it and may not realize there's a healthier way to behave and relate to others.
The symptoms of BPD are very broad, and some can be similar to or overlap with other mental health problems, such as: Bipolar disorder. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) Depression.
As a psychoanalyst, Stone's specialty is personality disorders so it is not surprising that most of the mass murderers in his study were diagnosed with antisocial, psychopathic, narcissistic or paranoid personality disorder.
The Victim
Someone with BPD may struggle to take an active role even in simple tasks or enjoyable activities without the assistance of another. In this instance, the person with BPD will seek out a persecutor or rescuer to validate their experience of victimization.