Borderline Personality Disorder

Navigate your struggles with compassionate care

Our approach to borderline personality disorder care

We understand the profound impact borderline personality disorder (BPD) can have on your life. Living with this condition can be incredibly challenging, affecting your relationships, work and overall well-being.

Our compassionate team is here to provide you with personalized, evidence-based care that addresses your unique needs. With a strong emphasis on empathy and understanding, we aim to help you manage your emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors and foster healthier relationships.

Together, we can help you reclaim your life and pave the way towards lasting recovery.

Signs and symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:

  • intense and unstable relationships
  • impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving or binge-eating
  • extreme mood swings, often lasting a few hours to a day
  • chronic feelings of emptiness
  • difficulty trusting others and intense fear of abandonment
  • identity disturbance, unclear self-image and a sense of self-worth dependent on external factors
  • recurrent suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors or threats

When to seek care

If you or someone you love is experiencing the above symptoms, it's important to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment of BPD symptoms can significantly improve outcomes and help manage symptoms. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Steps to diagnosing borderline personality disorder

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and finding relief. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect during our diagnostic process:

  • Getting started: If you believe you might be struggling with BPD, schedule an appointment with a specialist on our team.
  • Full assessment: One of our mental health professionals will meet with you for an in-depth evaluation. During this assessment, they may ask you questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They’ll also review your medical history and any relevant records.
  • Diagnostic criteria: Our team will decide if you meet the criteria for BPD as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Treatments

Our treatment approach will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your individual risks. Our team of experienced mental health professionals will work closely with you to develop a plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

Some of the treatment options we offer include:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you learn skills to manage your emotions, cope with stress and build healthy relationships.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your BPD symptoms.
  • Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage specific symptoms of BPD, such as depression, anxiety or mood swings.

In addition to these specific treatments, we may also recommend other supportive therapies. These include group therapy, family therapy or lifestyle changes, which may help you manage your BPD and improve your overall well-being.

Meet our experts

Our expansive behavioral health team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, advanced practice providers and behavioral health technicians — all here for you.

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Why choose WellSpan for bipolar disorder (BPD) care?

While choosing a specialist for borderline personality disorder can be difficult, we are here to provide the exceptional care you deserve.

Expert care

Our therapists are highly trained in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a specialized treatment for BPD.

Comprehensive approach

Our treatment plans combine therapy, medication and support to address all aspects of BPD.

Strong support system

We offer a variety of support groups and resources to help individuals and their families cope with BPD.

Personalized treatment plans

We work with you as an individual, to develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.