The Best Therapy For Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder
- Paranoia
- A lack of connection with reality
- Impulsive behavior or self-destructive behavior, including self-harm
- Mood swings
- Inappropriate behaviors or anger
- Suicidal threats or attempts for suicide
- Unstable relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
What causes BPD?
- Heredity/genetics
- Differences in brain development
- Stress or trauma in childhood
Can BPD therapy and treatment cure the disorder?
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, receiving a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is generally seen as lifelong. While it’s not typically thought of as “curable”, research suggests that symptoms can be improved, and various types of therapeutic treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in helping treat borderline personality disorder. From group psychotherapy to online therapy to one-on-one sessions with mental health professionals, there are several psychotherapy options available to people living with BPD.
Effective mental health treatments for BPD
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Schema-focused therapy
Mentalization-based therapy
In mentalization-based therapy (MBT) is a well-studied type of psychodynamic psychotherapy that can effectively treat BPD. MBT, also referred to as transference-focused counseling or transference-focused psychotherapy, emphasizes how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual may affect those of others. It’s a socially focused therapy that helps the person tune into the impacts of the choices they make. Since symptoms of BPD often have the potential to negatively impact others, mentalization-based therapy can help a person learn to better manage their behaviors. This can lead to improved relationships with family members and other loved ones; improved social skills; and an overall bettered quality of life. Mentalization-based therapy is an excellent method for assisting persons with BPD in understanding themselves and becoming sensitive to the feelings of others.
Therapy for emotional predictability
Systems Training For Emotional Predictability And Problem-Solving, known as STEPPS, is an adjunct therapy option that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, skills training, and elements from systems therapy. It is typically offered as a 20-week group outpatient program, and can effectively improve symptoms of borderline personality disorder as well as improve depression related to BPD.
Counseling & medication to treat BPD
Certain medications may be an important component of treatment for someone with borderline personality disorder. It may help them manage symptoms, prevent symptoms from worsening, and treat co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or eating disorders. Their effects may also help a person adhere to their psychotherapy treatment, which can be integral for long-term success. The most common types of medications prescribed for BPD include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and/or mood stabilizers. A psychiatrist can evaluate a person’s specific situation and make recommendations accordingly for the right treatment and good psychiatric management of medications.
Online therapy for BPD
In-person counseling sessions have traditionally been the norm for treating a variety of mental health disorders. However, online therapy is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who prefer to connect with a therapist from the comfort of their home. It’s a more available format for people who can’t travel to a provider’s office regularly or who have trouble locating a provider in their area. It’s also typically more cost-effective since virtual providers have fewer overhead costs.
Research from 2022 suggests that online psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for personality disorders. Other studies have suggested that it can be as effective as in-person sessions for a variety of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can coexist with borderline personality disorder. If you’re interested in pursuing online therapy, you might consider a platform like BetterHelp. You’ll be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences and will then be matched with a licensed provider accordingly. You can speak with them via phone or video call and exchange in-app messages between sessions as needed. They can evaluate you and your situation and help you address the challenges you may be facing.
Takeaway
People with BPD can benefit from certain types of treatment, which may include different forms of talk therapy potentially in conjunction with medication. Counseling options include individual and group therapy, phone coaching, and online therapy; popular modalities for BPD include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), transference-focused therapy (TFP), mentalization-based therapy (MBT), and more. Consulting with a mental health professional in person or online may be a helpful first step toward managing this disorder.
What BPD therapy is most helpful?
What’s helpful in counseling for one person might not be for another. Still, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) with a trained mental health professional is considered by many experts to be the most effective treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD).
What are five BPD treatment options?
The National Institute of Health has recognized five evidence-based treatments for treating BPD:
Dialectical behavior therapy
Schema-focused therapy
Transference-focused therapy
Mentalization-based therapy
Systems training for emotional predictability and problem solving
Family therapy may also make a significant difference in educating family members about the disorder and helping them build healthier relationships with the individual.
What is the gold standard mental health treatment for BPD?
The main treatment for borderline personality disorder is DBT treatment, or dialectical behavior therapy. This type of therapy was designed to help people with BPD manage relationships and negative thoughts that cause emotional distress.
Can borderline personality disorder be cured?
No. Borderline personality disorder (sometimes called emotional intensity disorder) is a life-long condition that begins in early adulthood, and there is no cure. Still, evidence-based therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy can help people manage symptoms of BPD.
What is first-line BPD treatment?
Psychotherapy is considered the first-line BPD treatment. A type of psychotherapy known as dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, was specifically designed to treat borderline personality disorder. In one clinical study, 77% of people receiving DBT therapy no longer met diagnostic criteria for BPD after one year of treatment. Yet, another study showed that less than half of participants responded well to psychotherapy, so further research is needed.
What is the most effective BPD mood stabilizer?
To stabilize mood for people with BPD, a combination of therapy and medication may be recommended.
How do you fix borderline personality disorder without therapy?
While therapy is highly recommended for borderline personality disorder, there may be some self-care practices you can use for managing symptoms such as mindfulness meditation, coping skills for emotional regulation, and leaning on your support network. Still, there is no “fix” or cure for BPD.
What therapy would be best for me?
The type of BPD therapy that’s best for you could depend on a number of different factors such as your symptom severity, distress tolerance, and how you prefer to receive treatment. Weekly sessions with a licensed therapist are usually recommended for BPD.
How can I find a psychotherapist for BPD?
There are many ways to find a psychotherapist trained in treating borderline personality disorder. For example, you can use an online therapy locator, ask your doctor for a referral, use your insurance plan directory, or contact BetterHelp.
What are the best jobs for someone with BPD?
People with BPD can perform a variety of different jobs, especially with therapy to reduce BPD symptoms. Still, for those who have trouble maintaining stable relationships with coworkers, remote jobs or those that allow individuals to work independently may be ideal.
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