How Do You Recognize Borderline Personality Disorder?
Diagnosing borderline personality disorder (BPD) is complicated. Many symptoms are common to other disorders and we all exhibit them at some point. But it can be debilitating if symptoms are intense and have lasted for a long time. Consider these steps before getting a professional opinion about a loved one. Take note of moods. People with borderline personality disorder tend to shift quickly from feeling high to low and back again. Unlike bipolar disorder, these moods last only a few hours or at most one day. Judge whether your partner is impulsive when it comes to money, sex or substance abuse. Reckless driving and eating binges can also signal BPD. Think about how your partner sees himself. Borderline personality sufferers have a distorted self-image that can swing from unworthiness to victimization. They frequently change jobs, homes, partners, friends, goals and values. Decide if your loved one suffers from “splitting.” One moment the BPD sufferer will idolize and admire you, but
