Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that affects approximately 1.6% of the adult population in the United States. BPD typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood and is more common in women than men. While the cause of BPD is not fully understood, it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by instability in moods, behaviors, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. People with Borderline Personality Disorder often have difficulty managing their emotions and impulses, which can lead to problems with substance abuse and self-harm.
Although it is a serious condition, Borderline Personality Disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.
Common Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
It’s common for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to experience intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and chaotic relationships. Here are some common signs of BPD:
1. Extreme mood swings – People with BPD often experience rapidly changing moods, going from happy to sad to angry in a matter of minutes or hours. They may also have periods of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
2. Impulsivity – People with BPD may act on impulse without considering the consequences of their actions. This can lead to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, binge drinking, drug use, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.
3. Fear of Abandonment – One of the most common signs is an intense fear of abandonment. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, such as always needing to be in contact with loved ones, being extremely clingy, or lashing out when someone tries to leave.
4. Feeling of Emptiness – People with BPD often experience feelings of emptiness and loneliness. They may also be very sensitive to real or perceived abandonment. These feelings can lead to impulsive and reckless behaviors as well as intense anger and aggression.
5. Irritability and anger – People with BPD may be easily irritated or angered. They may have outbursts of anger that are disproportionate to the situation. These outbursts may be directed at themselves, others, or objects.
6. Relationship problems – People with BPD often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Due to the fear of abandonment, they may act in ways that push others away. Their relationships are often stormy and intense.
If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may have BPD, talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms. With treatment, many people with BPD are able to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Who Is This BPD Quiz For?
This quiz is for people who think they might have Borderline Personality Disorder. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you figure out if you are experiencing some common life experiences faced by people with BPD.
The symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder can be hard to spot. That’s why it’s important to answer these questions honestly. The results of this quiz are just a starting point—they don’t replace a professional evaluation by a doctor or mental health provider.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
