Misunderstood, fearing abandonment, on an emotional rollercoaster, and often suicidal – this is life for many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but there is a treatment that offers hope and restored quality of life. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER IS LESS WELL-KNOWN According to Linda Christensen borderline personality disorder is less well-known, than other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. “But it comes with debilitating symptoms that cause significant distress and unstable relationships, for both those diagnosed and their families and loved ones.
” She said up to 10% of patients suffering from borderline personality disorder die by suicide and at least 40% will make multiple attempts to take their own lives while self-harming behaviour such as cutting is a common means to release their intense emotional pain. THERAPY AND MEDICATION OFFER A LIFELINE “However, psychiatrist and South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) member, Dr. Aneshree Moodley said long-term therapy together with the right medication, offered a lifeline for people living with a borderline personality disorder.
“Appropriate treatment can assist BPD patients to regulate their moods, emotions, and behavior,” she said. According to Moodley, there are coping strategies that can be learned, resources for information, and networks for support for those living closely with a BPD patient. One of several types of personality disorders, border personality disor.
