Māuiui tuakiri Borderline personality disorder
Causes of borderline personality disorder
We are not sure what causes borderline personality disorder. But we do know that people with this disorder have often had difficult childhoods. It is not the persons fault that they have borderline personality disorder, and they did not cause it.
Signs of borderline personality disorder
If you have borderline personality disorder you might:
- find it difficult to manage some of your emotions and thoughts
- have an idea and act quickly without thinking about what might happen next
- think unpleasant thoughts about yourself
- be scared your loved ones are going to reject you.
This might cause problems in your friendships, relationships, school, or work.
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder — Mental Health Foundation (external link)
Diagnosing borderline personality disorder
Trying to find out if someone has borderline personality disorder is difficult. It may take your healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist many appointments to come to a diagnosis.
There are no specific tests to help diagnose borderline personality disorder, but you can do an online self test.
Borderline personality disorder test — Psycom (external link)
If you think you might have borderline personality disorder, or if you are worried about your mental health, see your healthcare provider.
Self care for borderline personality disorder
There are several things you can do to help yourself if you have a borderline personality disorder.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about how you are feeling.
- Try to spend time with other people and talk to a trusted friend or family member.
- Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol.
- Try to keep a regular sleep pattern.
- Look after your physical health by eating well, quitting smoking and keeping active.
- Ask your healthcare provider or psychiatric team to write a care plan for you. This can include information about what kind of treatment works for you, and who to contact if your symptoms get worse or if you are in a crisis.
Other options can be found on Mental Health Foundation.
Therapy options for borderline personality disorder — Mental Health Foundation (external link)
Getting help for borderline personality disorder
The main treatment for borderline personality disorder is by talking therapies (pyschological treatments).
Therapy options for borderline personality disorder — Mental Health Foundation (external link)
If you feel you are not coping with your borderline personality disorder, see your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a counsellor or therapist. You can also find a counsellor, therapist, or psychiatrist through the Mental Health Foundation.
Accessing mental health services — Mental Health Foundation (external link)
Medication
Healthcare providers do not usually prescribe medications to people with borderline personality disorder. But some people may need them short term, or to treat other mental health disorders such as depression.
Supporting someone with borderline personality disorder
There are several things you can do to help someone with borderline personality disorder.
- Learn about the disorder and talk about it with your friend or whānau member.
- Recognise that some people with the disorder can get easily offended, and may overreact at times. Try to be patient and show your support.
- Support them through life changes, such as moving house or getting a new job.
Supporting someone with a mental health disorder can be stressful. Remember to have time out for yourself, and look after your own wellbeing.
Yellow Brick Road is a free service that helps people who have whānau members with a mental illness.
Related websites
Mental Health Foundation external link
Information about borderline personality disorder, including what causes it, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists external link
Information about borderline personality disorder, including ways to help yourself and how to help others who have the disorder.
Clinical review
This content was written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. It has been adapted for Health Information and Services.