How to Actively Treat Borderline Personality Disorder With Therapy and Medication

If you are experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD), you may find it difficult to know where to turn – especially in times when your symptoms are at their worst. BPD is a serious psychiatric disorder. It is best to be treated in the beginning stages of symptoms, because of BPD is left untreated, symptoms can grow worse. Treating your symptoms through outpatient programs such as the ones offered by Alter Wellness can help you cope with and manage your symptoms in a healthier way.

Choosing to get the help you need for your BPD despite the stage it might be in is a strong and brave choice. Knowing where to turn and who can help you is essential to your well-being. You can begin to thrive despite this disorder through outpatient services offered by Alter Wellness Care and medication.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is a severe mental health disorder that impacts your ability to regulate emotions. You may experience a loss of emotional control. This can lead to impulsive behaviors and self-esteem issues. Commonly, symptoms of BPD can negatively affect your relationships with others.

Intense mood swings and feelings or misgivings about how you feel about yourself can lead to relationship struggles and emotional hurt. If you view things in the extremes – such as all things are good or all things are bad – this may be a sign you are experiencing BPD.

Signs and Symptoms

There are other symptoms associated with this disorder. They can range from the following:

• Taking an effort at avoiding real or extreme abandonment; entering into relationships or ending them quickly
• Patterns of unstable relationships with family, friends, and loved ones
• Distorted or unstable image about yourself
• Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors such as spending sprees, unsafe sexual activity, reckless driving, binge eating, and substance abuse
• Self-harming behavior, like cutting
• Recurring thoughts of suicide behavior or repeated threats to commit suicide
• Intense and highly variable moods that could last for a few hours to several days
• Feelings of emptiness that become chronic and constant
• Inappropriate and intense anger issues; trouble controlling anger
• Disassociated feelings of viewing yourself from outside your body
• Feelings of being cut off from yourself or being in unreality

It is important to note that reckless behaviors are associated with this disorder. However, if you are experiencing reckless behaviors at times of elevated moods or energy, it may be a sign of a mood disorder rather than a personality disorder.

Moreover, not everyone with BPD will experience all these symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may be less severe in some and more intense in others. It is important to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about your experience to receive a proper diagnosis and to know your treatment options.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD can be treated through therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, in most cases, medication can also be beneficial for reducing severe BPD symptoms involved with mood or emotional dysregulation. There are treatment plans that can combine the use of therapeutic techniques and medication to offset symptoms. This can help you live a healthier daily life. 

First, it is crucial that you talk with a licensed mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. Once they know your symptoms and what you have been experiencing, they can properly diagnose you. They then can provide resources and even treatment options to get you the help you need to cope with and manage your symptoms in a healthier way.

Psychotherapy Treatment

Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is often the first line of treatment for BPD. Meeting one-on-one with a licensed mental health counselor, social worker, or therapist can help immensely. When going to psychotherapy, you may be introduced to various therapeutic approaches including CBT as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

In CBT sessions, you will learn how to identify beliefs and behaviors that can result in emotional pain and self-esteem issues. The goal of CBT is to challenge and change these beliefs. This can help you regain control of your emotions and feel more confident. CBT has also been proven to help mood swings and anxiety associated with BPD.

DBT is also another great treatment option. In fact, DBT was specifically designed for those with BPD to treat suicidal ideation and self-destructive behaviors. This form of therapy uses mindfulness techniques to help you manage your emotional state and present situation. DBT has also been shown to help with relationship issues and the effective management of intrusive thoughts and emotions. 

Medication Options

When going to therapy, your therapist may suggest that you see a psychiatrist to help with your case. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication that can help reduce certain symptoms of BPD. Additionally, if you are experiencing another co-occurring condition alongside BPD, medication may be even more beneficial.

It is important to note that medication is not the first form of treatment that a doctor usually chooses to help treat this disorder. Once you have started therapy, talk more about your medication options. This can help reduce the fear and stress of being treated through medication and therapy in tandem. In addition, it can help to understand that medication can often increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatments.

When deciding to get treated for BPD, talk to your doctor or therapist. They will be able to help you devise a treatment program that works for you. Talking with the team at Alter Wellness Care can also be beneficial. They can help you decide between outpatient or inpatient treatment programs. Don’t give and always remember there is always someone to help you.

If you or a loved one are experiencing borderline personality disorder, please call Alter Wellness Care. Our team of licensed mental health professionals will provide you with the resources you need to plan a treatment program that will help you live a healthier and happier life. Regardless of your mental health needs, we are here to help you learn the necessary skills to cope with and manage your symptoms in a healthier way. We have made a difference in countless lives across the Laguna Beach area and would love to help you thrive. Reach out to a team member by calling (866) 311-3510. We are here to help you grow and our programs are designed to help you live better.