1. Therapy Is the Best Choice
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image and behavior, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This disorder often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. Since borderline personality disorder is seen as a psychosocial problem, therapy is considered the best treatment. In fact, branches of psychotherapy have been created for the express purpose of treating borderline patients. One of these new branches is dialectical behavior therapy, an offshoot of cognitive behavior therapy. It is used primarily to prevent patients from harming or killing themselves, and teaches them the ability to regulate their emotions and be more interpersonal, coping mechanisms and overall mindfulness. It has proven to be quite effective in reducing self-mutilation and suicidal tendencies in patients. Another new branch of psychotherapy is schema therapy. It uses a relationship with the therapist in order to target a patient's schemas, which are the most basic ways a person thinks about the world and reacts to it. The therapy also explores aspects of the patient's personality and his emotions. Family therapy may be employed to teach the entire family how to cope and relate to each other as defined by the borderline patient. Older techniques, such as psychoanalysis, are used less often than they were before but still may be employed.
2. Medication May Eliminate Some Symptoms
Antidepressants and antipsychotic medication are usually used to treat the symptoms of coexisting diseases, such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. The use of antipsychotic medications, even the newer atypical medicines, is controversial in treating bipolar patients. Side effects such as weight gain are associated with these medicines, as well as health complications that may outweigh any benefits they provide.
3. All for One Camraderie With Support Groups
A good support group provides several functions for borderline personality disorder sufferers. It can relieve the sense of loneliness and abandonment by people who are borderline, and let them know they're not alone. A support group also allows borderline patients the ability to share issues they may not feel comfortable discussing with their therapist or non-borderline friends, such as relationship troubles.
4. Treat Yourself Right
In addition to therapy and medication, the best way to treat borderline personality disorder is by making changes in your lifestyle. Give yourself a regular bedtime, and make sure that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. When you're awake, make sure to exercise at least 30 minutes four times a week. Make sure that you don't overeat, and that you get at least four servings of grains and vegetables per day. Avoid drinking and any medications that have not been prescribed. These can react badly with your prescribed medications. As far as emotional self-treatment, keep yourself calm. If you have a major choice in your life to make, such as whether to change jobs or get married, make sure you are feeling calm and stable when you make it. You will definitely want to build up a support system made of your family and friends for when you're feeling depressed, anxious or otherwise unstable.
