Definition
The Mayo Clinic defines Borderline Personality Disorder as a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behaviour, and a pattern of unstable relationships. There are particular criteria that describe this condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 but not all health professionals are in agreement about the origins and features of this condition. There is an alternate diagnosis within the International Classification of Disorders 11 defining the symptoms as Complex PTSD. The health industry is yet to come to a final agreement on how to consider this condition but in the meantime there are numerous sources of help available.
SUPPORT SERVICES
- The BPD Foundation supports, promotes and advocates for people suffering with Borderline Personality Disorder in Australia.
- Project Air is a centre of excellence for research, education and treatment of personality disorders.
- Borderline Personality Australia aims to provide education and awareness about this condition.
- BPD Awareness Week in October every year provides information, activities and support for people with this condition.
- The Australian BPD Foundation holds a BPD Awareness Week in the first week of October each year in Australia. Links to services through FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram are also available on this site. In Canberra, ACT more information on services available can be found at Borderline in the ACT.
BOOKS
- The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide by Alexander Chapman is an excellent book on this condition with information about the condition and effective treatments.
- As is I Hate You Don’t Leave Me by Jerold Kreisman and Hal Straus which also has tools for supporting a loved one with this condition.
- Surviving a Borderline Parent by Kimberlee Roth provides a step by step guide for adult children of parents with Borderline Personality Disorder.
PODCASTS
- This podcast episode from the ABC series All in the Mind Emotional Roller Coaster BPD explores a relationship with someone diagnosed with this condition.
- This podcast episode also from the ABC series All in the Mind Borderline Personality Disorder – what works? explores effective treatment options for this condition.
- This podcast episode from This is Actually Happening illustrates friendship dynamics with a person with Borderline Personality Disorder.
ASSESSMENT
Finally, if you are concerned that you may be suffering with Borderline personality Disorder, this free online self assessment may provide an initial screening test to consider whether further investigation with a health professional may be warranted.