What is this brochure on borderline personality disorder?

This brochure presents information on borderline personality disorder including signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, co-occurring illnesses, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or others. Keywords

When is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?

Borderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. Occasionally, a person younger than age 18 may be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder if symptoms are significant and last at least a year. What other illnesses can co-occur with borderline personality disorder?

How is borderline personality disorder treated?

The primary treatment for borderline personality disorder isppsychotherapy, which may be complemented by symptom-targetedpharmacotherapy. Throughout the course of treatment, it is important toprovide psychiatric management as follows: Respond to crises and monitor the patient’s safety. Evaluate self-injurious or suicidal ideas.

What should a therapist do if there is a boundary crossing?

Maintain consistency with agreed-on boundaries. Be aware that it is the therapist’s responsibility to monitor andsustain the treatment boundaries. In the event of a boundary crossing, explore the meaning of the boundary crossing; restate expectations about the boundary and rationale; and if the boundary crossing continues, employ limit setting.