The Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder And Emotional Dysregulation

If you or a loved one are struggling to regulate your emotions and find that you are experiencing a range of intense feelings on a regular basis, you may be living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or emotional dysregulation. While emotional dysregulation can be seen as a brain-related symptom affecting your ability to manage your emotions, it’s also one of the primary characteristics of borderline personality disorder. Both emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder can be treated with therapy.

Understanding BPD: Symptoms and causes

People with BPD tend to experience intense emotions that can change from one moment to the next. These emotions may occur regardless of external circumstances, and they can shift from happiness and confidence to sadness and insecurity within a short matter of time. Along with having trouble regulating their emotions, individuals with BPD may switch between idealizing and devaluing the people in their lives, which may lead to emotional turmoil for their friends, family members, and loved ones.

When individuals are unable to effectively respond to and manage their emotional states, it can stop them from pursuing their goals and passions while inhibiting their ability to respond to everyday situations appropriately. This inability to function effectively on an emotional level is commonly referred to as emotional dysregulation. Examples of this may include a person having an angry outburst because someone accidentally bumped into them on the street, or an individual bursting into tears because their partner didn’t respond to their text message as quickly as they usually do. This difficulty can lead to severe mood swings, further impacting relationships.

Among other environmental, social, and cultural factors, research shows that genetic factors and adverse childhood experiences, such as neglect and abuse, can be linked to the development of BPD. In other cases, many people with BPD have reported emotional unrest arising from invalidating, unstable relationships and conflicts. Emotional dysregulation may have similar causes, with many people experiencing this symptom having gone through early childhood traumas, such as abandonment, neglect, or abuse. By understanding the risk factors associated with BPD and emotional dysregulation, you may be equipped to seek support and treatment if symptoms arise. 

The relationship between BPD and emotional dysregulation

Most individuals with borderline personality disorder find it difficult to effectively respond to and manage their emotional states, meaning that they often experience emotional dysregulation. Related BPD symptoms can include heightened emotional sensitivity, increased negative reactivity, and impulsive or harmful behavior. 

However, experiencing emotional dysregulation does not always mean a person has borderline personality disorder. This symptom can occur on its own or be a part of another mental health disorder.

Impact on interpersonal relationships

It can be difficult for people with emotional and behavioral dysregulation to maintain stable relationships. Research shows that people with BPD often experience disharmonic and unfulfilling relationships.

There may be a variety of contributing factors to this relationship dissatisfaction, such as misinterpreting the actions and motives of a partner, struggling to communicate in a healthy manner, and potentially displaying verbal or physical aggression. One of the key challenges may be that people with BPD aren’t always able to recognize how their disorder impacts their relationships, so building self-awareness through therapy can be particularly important and impactful.

Cognitive and behavioral impact

When borderline personality disorder symptoms are heightened, they can have negative cognitive and behavioral impacts. According to a 2023 study, individuals with BPD may experience cognitive impairments associated with decision-making, problem-solving, and social cognition abilities. When both decision-making and social cognition are impaired, people with BPD may engage in behaviors that negatively impact their relationships, personal well-being, and life prospects.

Strategies for coping with BPD and emotional dysregulation

While borderline personality disorder is often a long-lasting condition, it can be treated, and individuals can reduce the impact of symptoms and challenging emotions while enhancing their personal well-being. In addition to professional support, those with BPD may benefit from the following: 

• Support networks: Since people with borderline personality disorder can find it difficult to maintain positive relationships, support groups with peers who are experiencing similar challenges can be beneficial. Participation in peer support groups may facilitate positive transformation and growth for those with BPD.
• Self-care: Fostering positive emotions through self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature may be beneficial. Disconnecting from external situations and stressors can offer time to heal.
• Education and advocacy: After learning about borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation, you can spread awareness, contributing to a more compassionate, understanding, and supportive society. Sharing educational resources with friends, family members, and loved ones may also be beneficial for your relationships.

Therapy for BPD and emotional dysregulation

Treatment for borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation usually involves psychotherapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapists can offer knowledgeable care, connect individuals to peer support groups, and employ evidence-based techniques to teach effective emotional regulation skills.

Learn emotion regulation skills from a licensed therapist

Try online therapy

Today, individuals can receive these services either in-person or online, depending on their needs and preferences. While many people enjoy attending therapy sessions in person, going to a brick-and-mortar therapist’s office can sometimes seem intimidating or inaccessible. Online therapy can empower individuals to personalize the therapy process by choosing the time and location of each session, as well as whether they’d like to speak with their therapist via video conference, phone call, or online chat.

While more research may be needed regarding the efficacy of online therapy for BPD, existing studies suggest that it can reduce borderline personality disorder symptoms. In general, evidence shows that online and in-person therapy can produce the same client outcomes, so individuals who wish to seek professional support may benefit from either option.