FAQs

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that mainly affects how a person experiences and manages emotions. People with BPD often feel emotions very intensely and for longer, and may find relationships, self-image and impulsive urges difficult to manage. It usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood.

Common experiences include intense and rapidly changing emotions, a strong fear of abandonment, unstable or intense relationships, an unclear or shifting sense of self, impulsive behaviour, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, and in some cases self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Not everyone with BPD has all of these, and having some of them does not mean a person has BPD.

There is no single cause. Research suggests BPD develops from a combination of factors, including genetic and biological vulnerability, and life experiences such as trauma, neglect or an invalidating environment growing up. It is never a person’s fault.

BPD is more common than many people think. Estimates suggest it affects roughly 1 to 4 percent of people at some point in their lives, across all genders and backgrounds.

BPD should be diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, after a careful assessment. A GP is a good first step and can provide a referral and, in Australia, a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Yes. BPD is treatable, and many people improve significantly over time. Specialised psychological therapies have the strongest evidence, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), Schema Therapy and others. Treatment is usually most effective when it is consistent and longer-term.

There is currently no medication approved specifically to treat BPD itself. Psychological therapy is the main treatment. A doctor may sometimes prescribe medication for related difficulties such as depression or anxiety, so it is important to discuss options with a qualified prescriber.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a structured therapy that teaches skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It was developed for people with BPD and is one of the most researched treatments for it.

Listen without judgement, validate their feelings even when you see the situation differently, stay calm during intense moments, and set clear, kind boundaries. Learning about BPD helps a lot, and so does looking after your own wellbeing. Carer support groups and family programs can make a real difference.

Try to slow things down: focus on your breathing, change your environment, reach out to someone you trust, or use a skill you have practised, such as a grounding exercise. If you feel unsafe or are thinking about suicide, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

No. We provide peer support and general information. Our content can be a helpful companion to professional care, but it is not a substitute for assessment or treatment by a qualified health professional.