Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Treatment and Prognosis at Our Calgary Psychology Clinic
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that affects approximately 1-2% of the population. In Calgary and Alberta, many individuals struggle with the emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and intense relationships that characterize BPD. At Mend Psychology, our team is dedicated to providing effective therapy and support to individuals diagnosed with BPD, offering treatment tailored to their unique needs.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition marked by a pervasive pattern of unstable moods, behavior, self-image, and relationships. Individuals with BPD often experience intense feelings of fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, which can lead to significant difficulties in daily life.
The exact cause of BPD is not entirely understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Trauma or early life experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can also contribute to the development of BPD.
The Four Subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD manifests in various forms, and psychologists recognize four primary subtypes that can help inform treatment. Understanding these subtypes allows our therapists to offer the most effective therapy options for individuals in Calgary struggling with BPD.
Discouraged Borderline: This subtype is characterized by low self-esteem, chronic feelings of inadequacy, and passive behaviors. Individuals may appear withdrawn and often struggle with feelings of worthlessness. These individuals tend to have difficulty with decision making, a strong need to be around others, intense internal anger that builds until they explode, and may act out when they feel pushed to defend themselves.
Petulant Borderline: Individuals with this subtype experience frustration and anger over perceived injustices and may exhibit unpredictable mood swings. This subtype often leads to difficulties in relationships due to their emotional outbursts and a tendency to push others away. These individuals may have difficulty waiting their turn, are easily frustrated, and see the world as hurtful and negative. Others perceive them as unpredictable or volatile.
Impulsive Borderline: Characterized by risky, impulsive behaviors, individuals with this subtype may engage in substance abuse, reckless driving, or unprotected sex. They may struggle with emotional regulation, leading to sudden and intense reactions. These individuals are often flirtatious, tend to focus on the surface of things rather than going deeply into any one issue, have high energy but lose interest in things and people easily, and act without thinking.
Self-Destructive Borderline: People with this subtype experience feelings of shame, hopelessness, and guilt, often resulting in isolation from others. These individuals tend to have difficulty making decisions, may be humble in one instance and then inflexible the next, tend to be undecided about most things, behave without thinking about the consequences, may hurt themselves physically, and see themselves in a very loathsome and negative way.
BPD and Its Impact on Mental Health
People with BPD frequently experience co-occurring mental health issues that can exacerbate the emotional instability of BPD, making treatment more complex. Over 50% of individuals with BPD also have at least one additional psychiatric disorder, most commonly depression or anxiety. This dual diagnosis can complicate treatment but is an important aspect that our clinic specializes in managing with an integrated approach. At our mental health clinic in Calgary, our psychologists understand the importance of addressing all aspects of an individual's mental health in therapy.
Prognosis and Use of Healthcare Services for BPD
The prognosis for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to the development of evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Research shows that with appropriate treatment, individuals with BPD can see a significant reduction in symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The use of healthcare services among people with BPD is notably high. Individuals with BPD are more likely to seek psychiatric care, have multiple hospitalisations, and face challenges in accessing consistent, long-term mental health care. This often leads to more frequent use of the healthcare system, particularly in Alberta, where demand for mental health services has been rising. It’s important to recognise that this is an indicator of struggle, individuals with personality disorders are struggling to cope and struggling to find effective care.
At Mend Psychology, we provide ongoing therapy and support to ensure that individuals with BPD, and their loved ones, receive the consistent care they need, helping them manage symptoms and improve their overall mental health. By addressing BPD early on with professional treatment, we can reduce the need for frequent healthcare interventions and promote a more stable life for those affected.
Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder at Mend Psychology
At our Calgary psychology clinic, we offer a variety of therapeutic interventions to help individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based therapies like DBT, which helps individuals regulate their emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors. Treatment plans are personalized to each individual's specific subtype, ensuring that therapy is effective and targeted.
Through therapy, individuals with BPD can work on managing their symptoms, improving self-esteem, and finding healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD in Calgary, seeking help from a licensed psychologist can be the first step toward healing.
Conclusion
Borderline Personality Disorder is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment, individuals can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. At Mend Psychology in Calgary, our psychologists are committed to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments for BPD. If you or a loved one is struggling with BPD or co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better mental health.