BPD is a personality disorder that includes the following symptoms: unstable moods, easily angered, self-hatred, hypersensitive to stress, stormy relationships, prone to depression, eating disorders, self-mutilation, drug and alcohol abuse, does not trust others.
The most important part of a treatment plan is to work with an experienced therapist who is an expert in BPD. Many therapists do not feel comfortable working with BPD patients. BPD therapy is complex and demanding therefore the therapist must be comfortable and experienced to be successful.
A structured form of psychotherapy works best. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Mentorship Self-Help Therapy (MST) are two therapy programs that are effective for BPD. MST is described in the self-help book, The Angry Heart. DBT is described in a book of the same name. Family or couples therapy is also helpful.
A variety of medications can be helpful but no medication can on its own cure BPD. For depression Paxil, Prosac or Celexa has been used among other medications. Sometimes MAO inhibitors are used such as Parnate. Mood stabilizers such as depakote, lithium or Neurotin are used. Anti-psychotic medications such as Risperdal, Zyprexa or thorazine are used to control anxiety and distorted thinking. Combinations of medication are also used. For more information on medication try our E-Counseling service.
In severe cases (suicidal thinking, self-mutilation, uncontrollable addiction) residential treatment or hospital care is necessary.
Significant improvement can be expected if you consult an expert in DBT or MST. Less improvement can be expected if you are receiving generic psychotherapy with medication support.
