Borderline personality disorder is characterized by pervasive instability in:
·         Moods
·         Interpersonal relationships
·         Self-image
·         And behavior
The instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual’s sense of self-identity.
People with borderline personality disorder suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation.  The disorder was originally thought to be at the borderline of psychosis.  It is a mental disorder less well known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, however, borderline personality disorder is actually more common.  The disorder affects 2 percent of adults, mostly young women.
There is a high rate of self-injury without suicide intent, and a significant rate of suicide attempts with completed suicide in severe cases.  Patients suffering from the disorder often need extensive mental health services.  They account for about 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations.  With appropriate treatment, many patients improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives.
What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?
A person with BPD may experience intense bouts of:
·         Anger
·         Depression
·         And anxiety
The episodes may last only hours or at most a day.  The episodes may be associated with impulsive aggression, self-injury and drug or alcohol abuse.
There are distortions in cognition and sense of self that can lead to frequent changes in:
·         Long-term goals
·         Career plans
·         Jobs
·         Friendships
·         Gender identity
·         And values
Some people suffering with a borderline personality disorder view themselves as “bad,” or “unworthy.”  They often feel unfairly misunderstood or mistreated, bored, empty and have little idea who they are.  These symptoms are worse when the person feels isolated and lacks sufficient social support.  They may make frantic efforts to avoid being alone.
Other characteristics of this disorder are unstable patterns of social relationships:
·         They can develop intense and stormy attachments
·         Their attitudes towards family, friends and loved ones can “suddenly” change from great admiration and love to intense anger and dislike
As a result of these unstable patterns of social relationships, people with a borderline personality disorder may form an immediate attachment and adore the other person, but when a slight separation or conflict arises, they switch suddenly to the other extreme and angrily accuse the other person of not caring for them at all.  Even with close family members, these individuals are highly sensitive to rejection.  They can react with anger and distress to such mild separations as a vacation, or a sudden change in plans.
Fears of abandonment are common to people with borderline personality disorder.  Suicide threats and attempts, and anger at perceived abandonment and disappointments are common.
Additional impulsive behaviors may include:
·         Excessive spending
·         Binge eating
·         Risky sex
Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other psychiatric problems such as:
·         Bipolar disorder (particularly)
·         Depression
·         Anxiety disorders
·         Substance abuse
·         And other personality disorders
Source:  National Institute of Mental Health
Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional