Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition in which the individual displays highly impulsive and unstable behavior patterns, self-perception and mood swings. The interpersonal relationships of these individuals are very problematic as they tend to get violent and abusive towards their loved ones on various occasions. Borderline personality was originally used to refer to the boundary between neurotic and psychotic disorders. This, however, changed in later years as the term came to be identified with schizotypal personality disorder. Nowadays, borderline personality is used to describe individuals who have long-term stable patterns of insecurity and are extremely unstable and vulnerable.

Characteristics of Borderline Personality disorder:

Individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit serous disturbances in basic identity and their sense of self is extremely unstable. The various traits of this disorder are as follows:

Unstable interpersonal relationships: Individuals with BPD have extremely unstable interpersonal relationships and they make desperate efforts to avoid rejection, whether real or imagined. They are extremely insecure about their loved ones and their fears of desertion are extremely high. They often tend to become abusive and threaten to commit suicide over trivial issues.

Intense and turbulent relationships: These individuals have intense and unsettling relationships. They often tend to glorify their friends or lovers and are often disappointed at the end.

Low levels of tolerance: These individuals are easily provoked on minor issues and have a great deal of difficulty in controlling their anger.

Drastic mood shifts: They have highly instable and extreme mood swings and may even indulge in self-destructive behavior impulsively. They often have binges of gambling, substance abuse, sexual activity or rash driving.

Self destructive behavior:

Attempts of suicide: They often attempt suicide on impulse to manipulate their close ones and end up with self-mutilation or accidental suicide.

Individuals with borderline personality disorder have the problem of achieving a logical sense of self identity which is followed by turbulent interpersonal relationships. As a result, these individuals are haunted by feelings of loneliness and fear abandonment. Their very insecurities lead them to having intense mood shifts and trigger off violent behavior. This is a serious disorder that needs to be treated by a metal health care professional at the earliest.